ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, you should speak to your GP. 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 try and rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating on a task or keeping their attention. They often lose items which are essential for their daily activities or work (such as school supplies, tools and wallets or eyeglasses, papers, etc.). They have difficulty following instructions, focusing on time and completing work. They may also have difficulty getting their turn in games or during conversations. They can be too busy or make mistakes and even interrupt others. They often fidget or tap their feet, hands, or squirm in their seats. 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 have difficulty regulating their emotions and become easily angry or excited. They have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They tend to be late for appointments and have trouble organizing and planning. They might have poor eating habits like not eating meals or choosing high-calorie food.
A mental health specialist will employ a variety of tests to determine whether an adult suffers from ADHD. These will include psychological assessments and physical examinations, and interviews with their partners or family members and teachers as well as work colleagues. They will ask questions about how their symptoms have affected their life and whether they have been present since childhood. They may request their old school records or talk with their teachers, parents or any other people they knew when they were younger.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with work or social interactions. Moderate symptoms can interfere with social and work relationships however they don't have a long-lasting negative impact on a person's life. The severity of symptoms can have a negative effect on a person's social academic, and work life.
Adults with ADHD are able to receive the same treatment as children. The stimulant medication is the one most commonly prescribed. Examples of these drugs include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) and dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two forms of psychological therapy.
Diagnosis
Adults often have difficulty diagnosing ADHD. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult wait for a long time before receiving an assessment. This can be stressful and distressing. Some may think that the professionals who conduct their assessments do not comprehend them, particularly when they seem to have an anti ADHD predisposition and do not comprehend that ADHD symptoms can be present in adults. The right diagnosis can help you to determine the best treatment for adults with ADHD.
To determine the cause of ADHD health professionals or mental health specialists will need to collect information through several sources. These include questionnaires, interviews, and feedback from those who know the patient well. They will also search for other conditions that have similar symptoms. The health professional will also examine the medical background of the patient as well as their family history to determine if there is any physical or mental ailments.
In children, a doctor or specialist might use questionnaires filled out by the child's teachers and caregivers, as well as observations in the school. They can also conduct a cognitive evaluation and test for learning disabilities. They can also rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge for adults, as the symptoms can change over time. In general, hyperactivity and impulsiveness become less of an issue as adults, but inattentiveness is still a problem. Adults with ADHD might also have difficulties working in a professional setting or maintaining healthy relationships. They may struggle to keep their job, adhering to corporate rules, and meeting deadlines. They might also have issues with finances and debt due to excessive spending.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should speak to their doctor. They can then refer them to a psychiatrist to be assessed. The process can take some time, as NHS services are limited in their ability to diagnose ADHD and there are a lot of people who need assistance. The GPs might not have the training and experience to accurately assess ADHD and, if they are unable to recognize the signs, it's important to find an experienced psychiatrist with a deep understanding of adult ADHD. People who don't want to wait for NHS assessments may want to consider private health care, which is typically faster and more straightforward.
Treatment
People need an ADHD assessment because their symptoms can cause problems at work and in relationships. This could include frequent disciplinary actions at the workplace, problems in college or at school, as well as ongoing marital and relationship problems.
Many of these problems can be addressed with medication and lifestyle modifications. In some instances psychotherapy can help. Adults with ADHD are often treated with stimulant medications, but non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and melatonin can help control symptoms. It is essential to test all treatment options to find the one that is most effective for you.
In the UK, the majority of people diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment through the NHS. However the system is under ever-growing pressures, with demand over capacity. This has led to long waiting times for ADHD evaluations. A recent BBC investigation revealed that ADHD patients in England are facing waits of up to two years for an evaluation.
Long wait times are a serious cause of anxiety. The NHS tries rationing services according to criteria like symptom intensity, impairment and risks. However, this approach is dangerous because it can lead to patients being disadvantaged or even being excluded.
To avoid this problem, people should ask their GP to schedule an appointment at a specialist clinic which diagnoses adult ADHD and other neurodiverse disorders. They should describe their symptoms to their GP and it could be beneficial to have some knowledge about adult ADHD prior to the appointment to help prepare for the appointment.
After your GP has recommended you to an ADHD specialist clinic, you will meet with psychiatrists who will analyze your condition. They will consider your personal and family history and any issues that your symptoms might be causing you. They will also consider the impact of your health issues on your working and overall wellbeing.
Your psychiatrist may recommend that you begin taking medication. They may also suggest other treatments such as psychotherapy or lifestyle changes. For example, they might suggest a change to your diet or exercise routine to boost your energy levels and focus. They may also suggest a career counselor to help with managing your time, or a counsellor who can help you learn strategies for dealing with emotional stress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people with ADHD do not receive an diagnosis until the age of adulthood. They may have lived with their symptoms for a long time and compensated for them as they got older and had to work harder or study more to compensate for trouble paying attention in school or taking risks to avoid the repercussions of impulsive behavior. As adults they might have more responsibilities like running a household, raising children, or working - adding more pressure and stress to their lives. This can increase the severity of their symptoms, causing them to feel stressed and unhappy.
The NHS currently has a problem with long waiting times for ADHD assessments, which is due to the increased demand and the limited capacity. In the near future, it is likely that the NHS will adopt an approach known as a "rationing" method whereby patients are allocated an appointment depending on various factors, including how severe their symptoms and how much their difficulties impact their daily lives. This is a controversial idea, as it may cause certain groups of patients to be disadvantaged, e.g. patients with comorbid conditions.
The use of symptom or impairment scales can be used to determine the level of treatment, however some patients may exaggerate the severity of their symptoms in order to satisfy the requirements. A better option is to agree a common standard that everyone has to meet, as this will improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same level of service.
If you think you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is recommended to talk to your GP. They can't diagnose you officially but they may refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment. You can request a faster referral if there are lengthy wait lists. This is made possible by your "right to choose" which allows you to choose the NHS agency that will offer your treatment.
Private mental health providers offer ADHD assessments. The process is similar with the NHS, and involves only one consultation with a psychiatrist. They will note your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological assessment by analyzing symptoms checklists and behavioural rating scales. They will then present you with a diagnosis of ADHD and will discuss the best options for treatment.