Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
It can be difficult to receive an adhd diagnosis at the age of adulthood. NHS services are underfunded and there may be long wait times to be sent for an assessment.
After being referred, a psychiatrist will be looking to confirm that the symptoms have been present since the time of childhood (old school reports may aid) and will also inquire about co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. A private route can be a quicker and more thorough service.
How do you get a diagnosis?
If you're having trouble keeping up with tasks at home or work, are losing your keys frequently, or are having trouble communicating with family members, it might be worthwhile talking to your GP regarding possible ADHD. ADHD is the most frequent mental disorder in the UK and yet many adults aren't aware they have it. The good news is getting a proper diagnose and starting treatment will help you get back on track.
If your GP agrees that you may have ADHD and they suggest you to a mental health service. Often, this is an a community or neurodevelopmental mental health service. There could be a long wait for an assessment however, you can speed up the process by doing certain things.
You may be asked to fill out the questionnaire prior to the ADHD assessment. It will ask you how often you experience certain symptoms and how stressful they are. The doctor who is conducting your assessment will also want to be aware of whether you've had these symptoms from childhood, so they may ask for old school reports or other evidence from family members.
The psychiatrist will also want to make sure that your condition causes significant impairment in at the very least two areas of your life. This could include losing your job due to ineffective time management, having major stress and conflict in your relationship, or getting into financial problems due to impulse purchases.
A medical exam will be conducted prior to your exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms you've been experiencing, for instance seizures or thyroid issues. They will also check to see if you have any other physical disabilities such as a hearing loss or learning disability.
If you opt to undergo a private assessment it's recommended to confirm whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with the clinic you've selected. This means that the clinic will write to your GP with the paperwork that allows you to go back to your NHS provider to receive treatment, which will include CBT and medication therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing experience for adults who have suffered with the symptoms throughout their lives. It can explain a lot of things about why they've been struggling, and can also provide hope for the future. A diagnosis can bring up many difficult feelings.
Having a private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and ensure that you get the right treatment to help with your symptoms. They will employ various methods to evaluate your symptoms, such as symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also ask for information from family members or friends.
They will then utilize this evidence to make a diagnosing decision. They will examine the way your ADHD symptoms affect your life and if they are causing significant impairment. They will also look into whether you have any other mental health issues that might cause similar symptoms. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD they will typically prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether or not you should consider alternatives, like CBT or other non-pharmacological interventions.
The medication can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. However it's not a cure. Managing the side effects of ADHD medications can be a challenge and it's crucial to follow the advice of your doctor.
In England in the last year adults were prescribed more ADHD medication than children. This is a significant increase in comparison to previous years, and has become even more pronounced following the Covid-19 pandemic. This increase in prescribing is due to the availability of drugs that were previously available only for children. The most commonly used medications are methylphenidate hydrochloride and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
We suggest that you talk to your GP to find out what the NHS offers prior to requesting a private ADHD assessment. You should be able get an ADHD assessment referred by your physician, but there may be a long waiting list. If this is the case, you can print off a support letter from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter explains that only a specialist doctor can diagnose ADHD and they are not able to refuse to do so.
CBT
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the life of an adult. Many people report that it helps them comprehend their differences and gives an explanation for the difficulties they've faced throughout their lives. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People suffering from ADHD are often struggling with work, relationships and academics. They may feel angry and misunderstood. It can be helpful to seek support from others who suffer from ADHD, and it is important to remember that you are not alone.
The best way to get diagnosed with ADHD is to consult a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. However, you may encounter difficulty when trying to diagnose. Sometimes adhd diagnoses , psychologists and nurses are not aware of the condition, and they might react with a prejudice against people who have ADHD. You may need to make repeated attempts before finding a specialist with appropriate knowledge and experience of diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your consultation your psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms are causing you to suffer from impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they have affected your life, and whether you have any family history of ADHD. They will also want to rule out conditions such as depression, thyroid issues and anxiety as well as thyroid issues which may share similar symptoms as ADHD. They may use questionnaires and rating scales to determine your ADHD symptoms but they won't solely rely on these to establish a diagnosis.
After the clinical evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss the outcome and decide on the best treatment plan. They will likely offer you medication, but they could also suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered in person, but it is also possible to receive it online or over the phone.
CBT helps you modify your behavior and thinking processes to reduce the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can teach you how to manage distressing emotions like shame or embarrassment. CBT can teach you techniques that can help you manage your symptoms. For example time management, self-care.
Support
Help is available for those who have undiagnosed ADHD. There are a myriad of choices for treatment, including medication and talking therapies. There are also services which can help you in your work as well as your school and family life. The Access to Work scheme offers practical and financial assistance to those who are not able to find work due to ADHD. This scheme is specifically designed for adults with ADHD working in paid positions and can include things like job coaching and training. There are charities which can assist you in finding a job or get back to work. The ADD UK website has a list of organisations. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
If your GP isn't able to spare the time or know-how to conduct an ADHD assessment, you can ask for a referral to an expert doctor. This will likely involve more extensive assessments as well as physical examinations and interviews with people who know you. The GP will need to have specific information from you regarding your symptoms, how long they have been present and their impact on you. They must ensure that your symptoms are not caused by another condition such as a mental disorder.
Healthcare professionals and doctors must be aware of the differentiators between ADHD symptoms in children and adults, and how they may change in time. It is a good idea to prepare for the assessment by recording examples of your symptoms and how they've affected you, particularly in your early years. You can also write down any issues that you are having that you face in your daily life. For example, if you have trouble organising your home or interacting with other people, it may be useful to document these issues.
You can try to get an assessment from the NHS for ADHD but it's often a long process. NHS GPs and specialists have little understanding of the condition and are often under resourced. The best choice is to visit private psychiatrists. They are likely to be more familiar with ADHD in adults and can screen for mental health issues such as depression. If necessary, they'll also provide recommendation letters to your work or school. Prices vary however in London they generally range between PS500 and PS1,200.