Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Being diagnosed with adhd as an adult can be a challenge. NHS services are underfunded and there are long wait times before being sent for an assessment.
A psychiatrist will confirm that symptoms are present since childhood (old school records may help) and will inquire about co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression. A private route could be a quicker, more understanding and professional service.
How can I get a diagnosis?
If you're struggling to keep up with tasks at home or work, are losing your keys frequently, or are having difficulty communicating with family members, it could be worthwhile talking to your GP regarding possible ADHD. ADHD is the most prevalent mental disorder in the UK and many adults don't know they suffer from it. The good news is that obtaining an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment can help you get your life back on track.
If your doctor thinks you may have ADHD, they will refer you to a mental health service. This could be a community mental health or an specialized neurodevelopmental service. It can be a long time to wait for an assessment however there are a few ways to help speed up the process.
Prior to your ADHD assessment is completed, you will be asked to fill out questionnaires that rate the frequency you experience certain symptoms and how difficult they are. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment may also require documents from your school or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The doctor will also want to be sure that your condition causes significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. This could include losing your job due to inadequate time management, or having a lot of stress and conflict in your relationship, or falling into financial trouble due to impulse purchases.
A medical examination will be performed prior to your examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that might be responsible for the symptoms you've been experiencing, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also see if you have any other physical disabilities such as hearing loss or a learning disabilities.
If you decide to have a private assessment it is recommended that you consult your doctor to determine if they will accept a "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic you prefer. This means that the clinic will send paperwork to your GP to allow you to return to your NHS provider to receive treatment. This will include medications and CBT.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for those who have fought all their lives with the symptoms of this disorder. It can help explain why they've been struggling and give them hope for their future. A diagnosis can bring many emotions.
Having a private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best method to obtain an assessment and ensure that you receive the proper treatment to alleviate your symptoms. They will employ a variety of methods to determine your symptoms, such as symptom checklists and scales of behaviour. They will also ask you to write about how your symptoms impact your daily life and will request details from your family or friends.
They will then use the evidence to make a diagnosing decision. They will consider how your ADHD symptoms affect your life and determine if they are causing significant impairment. They will also check if you have any other mental health issues that might cause similar symptoms. If they find that you have ADHD they will prescribe medication. They will also ask you if you would like to look into other options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological treatments.
Medication can be very helpful for those suffering from ADHD however it's not a cure. Managing adhd diagnosis in adults uk of ADHD medications can be a challenge, and it's important to follow your doctor's advice.
In England, in the last year adults were prescribed more ADHD medications than children. This is a significant increase on previous years, and it's even more pronounced following the Covid-19 epidemic. The rise in prescriptions has been mainly due to the availability of drugs that were previously only available for children. The most commonly prescribed drugs are methylphenidate Hydrochloride and Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
If you're interested in an individual ADHD assessment, we suggest that you talk to your GP first to see what the NHS can provide you with. They should be more than happy to refer you to an ADHD assessment, however there could be long waiting lists. You can print out the letter of support from ADHD UK and take it to your appointment if this is the situation. The letter explains that only a specialist physician can diagnose ADHD and they are not able to refuse to diagnose it.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for adults. Many people find it provides an explanation for their difficulties throughout their lives and help them understand why they differ. It can be a very difficult condition to manage. People who suffer from ADHD struggle with interactions, jobs and academics. They may be frustrated and misunderstood. It is helpful to seek help from people who suffer from ADHD and it is important to remember that you're not alone.
The best method to be diagnosed with ADHD is to visit a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. You might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. Sometimes doctors, psychologists and nurses aren't aware of the condition and they might react with prejudices against those who suffer from ADHD. You may need to try several times before finding a doctor with the right knowledge and experience of diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment your psychiatrist will want to evaluate whether your symptoms cause significant impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms, how they impact your life, and whether you have a history of ADHD in your family. They will also want you to rule out other conditions such as thyroid issues, depression, anxiety and thyroid problems that may have similar symptoms to ADHD. They may use questionnaires and ratings scales to assess ADHD symptoms. However they won't use them solely to make a diagnose.
After the clinical examination the psychiatrist will talk about the findings and determine the best treatment plan. You may be offered medication, but your doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually provided in person, but it is also available via the internet or by phone.
CBT assists you in changing your thinking patterns and behavior to reduce the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can also help you to cope with distressing emotions like shame or embarrassment. CBT can teach you techniques that will aid you in managing your symptoms. For example time management, self-care.
Support
If you are struggling with a diagnosis of undiagnosed ADHD, there is help available. Talking therapies are available as are medications and other treatments. There are also services which can help you in your work as well as your school and home life. The Access to Work scheme offers financial and practical assistance to those who are not able to find work due ADHD. The scheme is able to provide things like job coaching and training and is targeted towards adults with ADHD who are in paid employment. There are also charities which can help you get back to work or find an opportunity to work. The ADD UK site has a list. You can also receive assistance in determining the cost of medication through the Pharmacy Direct service.
You could ask your GP to refer you to an expert if they don't have the time or expertise to assess ADHD. This could involve an extensive examination, physical exam, and interviews with those who know you. The GP will need to have detailed information from you about your symptoms, how long they've been present and the impact they have on you. They should ensure that your symptoms are not caused by another condition, such as a mental disorder.
Healthcare professionals and doctors are required to be aware of the differences between adults and children's ADHD symptoms, and how those symptoms can change over years. You can prepare for your test by writing down some examples of the symptoms you've experienced and how they affected you. This is particularly crucial if the symptoms started in your childhood. You can also write down any issues you face in your life. Bring details if you, for instance, struggle with organizing your home, or interacting well with others.
You can try to get an diagnosis from the NHS for ADHD however, it is generally a lengthy process. NHS GPs, specialists and other healthcare professionals are usually under-resourced and have little knowledge of ADHD. Private psychiatrists are the best choice. They are likely to be more experienced with ADHD in adults, and can examine you for any other mental health conditions, such as depression. They can also provide recommendation letters to your workplace or school when needed. Prices vary, but in London they generally vary between PS500 and PS1,200.