ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Talk to your GP if you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns very seriously and refer you to a specialist who can help.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment. They will also attempt to rule out other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD might have trouble focusing on a task or maintaining their attention. They often lose things that are necessary to carry out their everyday activities (for example, school materials tools keys and bags, papers, eyeglasses). They have a difficult time trying to follow directions and keep track of time, and have trouble finishing work. They also have a difficult time waiting for their turn in games or in conversations. They might interrupt others and talk too much, or make mistakes. They are prone to fidget, tap their feet or hands, or squirm while sitting. In the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, a person is always "on the go," and they have problems sitting still or playing quietly. They may struggle to control their emotions and can become easily angry or overwhelmed. They are unable to form and keeping friendships. They are often late to appointments and have trouble organizing and planning. They may also have poor eating habits such as not eating meals or choosing high-calorie food.
A mental health professional will use a range of tests to determine if an adult has ADHD. These tests include psychological assessments as well as physical examinations and interviews with their friends, family members or teachers. They will ask questions about how their conditions have affected their life and if they've been present since childhood. They might ask for their school records from the past or talk with their teachers, parents, or other people they had contact with when they were younger.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with social or work relationships. Moderate symptoms affect these areas, but they don't have a long-lasting negative impact on a person's life. Severe symptoms can have a negative impact on an individual's social, academic and work life.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD are similar to that for children. The stimulant medication is the one most frequently prescribed. Examples of these medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) and dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Psychological therapy is a combination of mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.
Diagnosis
Adults often struggle to diagnose ADHD. Adults typically wait for a long time before receiving an assessment. This can be stressful and a source of stress. It is possible that they are not being understood by the professionals who assess them, especially if the professionals have an anti-ADHD biases and don't understand that symptoms of ADHD are common in adults. The right diagnosis can help you to determine the best treatment for adult ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD health specialists or mental health professionals will need to collect data from several sources. These include questionnaires, interviews, as well as feedback from people who know the patient well. They will also look for other conditions that have similar symptoms. The health care professional will also examine the medical background of the patient as well as their family history to determine if there is any mental or physical illnesses.
In the case of children, a doctor or specialist might use questionnaires filled out by the child's teachers and caretakers, as well as observations in the school. They may also conduct a cognitive assessment and screen for learning difficulties. Additionally, they can rule out other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD including depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge for adults, as the symptoms tend to change with time. In general, impulsivity and hyperactivity become less of an issue as you age, but inattention is still a problem. In addition, people with ADHD typically have difficulty working in a professional setting and maintaining healthy relationships. They may struggle to hold their job and adhering to corporate guidelines. They might also be struggling with finances and debt due to excessive spending.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should consult their GP. They can refer them to a psychiatrist to be evaluated. The process can take some time, since NHS services are not equipped for diagnosing ADHD and a large number of people who need assistance. Doctors may not have the education and knowledge to properly evaluate ADHD and, if they don't recognize the signs, it's crucial to locate an expert psychiatrist who has a thorough understanding of adult ADHD. People who don't wish to wait for NHS tests should consider private healthcare. It's usually faster and more convenient.
Treatment
The primary reason people seek an ADHD assessment is that the symptoms they experience are causing issues in work and relationships. These might include frequent disciplinary actions at the workplace, issues in college or at school, as well as ongoing issues with relationships and marriage.
Many of these problems can be addressed with medications and lifestyle adjustments. Psychotherapy can be beneficial in certain cases. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications, but non-stimulant drugs like melatonin and atomoxetine can aid in reducing symptoms. It is crucial to test all treatment options to determine which one works best for you.
In the UK the majority of people diagnosed with ADHD receive their treatment through the NHS. The system is under increasing pressure, due to the fact that the demand for ADHD treatment far exceeds its capacity. This has led to lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessment. According to a recent BBC investigation, patients in England face waiting times of up two years for an assessment.
The long wait times are a cause for concern. The NHS is trying to reduce services using criteria like severity of symptoms impairment, risk and severity. getting diagnosed with adhd can be problematic, as it can lead patients to be disregarded or marginalized.
To avoid this problem people should consult their GP to make an appointment with a specialist clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD and other neurodiverse disorders. They should describe their symptoms to their GP, and it might be beneficial to have some knowledge of adult ADHD prior to the appointment to help prepare for the appointment.
When your GP sends you to an expert ADHD clinic where you'll consult with a psychiatrist. He or she will evaluate your condition. They will take into account your family and personal history and the problems that your symptoms cause in your life. They will also take into account the impact on your work well-being and health.
Your doctor may suggest to start taking medication. They might also suggest other treatments, such as psychotherapy or lifestyle changes. For instance, they may suggest a change in your diet or regular exercise to boost your energy levels and focus. In addition, they might suggest a career coach to help you manage your time or a counselor to provide strategies to cope with your emotional distress and interpersonal challenges.
Support
Many people with ADHD do not have an official diagnosis until they reach adulthood. Many who suffer from ADHD have suffered symptoms for years and compensated for their symptoms as they grew older - by putting in more effort or studying more to compensate for the difficulty in paying attention in class or taking risks to prevent the consequences of acting impulsively. As adults, they might have more responsibilities, such as managing a household and raising children, or pursuing their career. This could add more pressure and stress to their lives. This can cause an increase in the severity of symptoms, leading to being overwhelmed and unhappy.
The NHS is currently faced with lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessments because of the increased demand and the limited capacity. In the future, it is likely that NHS will adopt a "rationing" method whereby patients are allocated an appointment depending on various factors, including the severity of their symptoms and how much their issues affect their quality of living. This is a controversial notion that could lead to certain groups of patients to be disadvantaged, e.g. patients with comorbid conditions.
Rationing can be achieved through the use of impairment and symptom scales, but there are concerns that patients would overstate their symptoms to satisfy the standards. The best solution would be to agree on a standard that all must meet. This would increase consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same level of care.
If you think you may have ADHD and you think you might have it, go to your GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose you however, they can refer you for an assessment by an expert psychiatrist. If you're on long waiting lists, you can ask for a faster referral through your right to choose option, which lets you choose the NHS organization that will provide your care when you're referred.
Private mental health professionals also offer ADHD evaluations. The procedure is similar to that of the NHS and will involve a one-off consultation with a seasoned psychiatrist. They will take note of your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological assessment, gathering information from symptom checklists and behavioural rating scales. They will then give you a diagnosis of ADHD and will discuss the best treatment options.