ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Talk to your GP If you suspect you or your children might have ADHD. They will investigate your concerns and direct you to the appropriate service.
An NHS assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist psychologist or specialist nurse. They will assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. They will also try to rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD struggles with concentration or focusing their attention on tasks. They often lose items that are essential to their daily activities or work (such as school materials, tools and wallets or eyeglasses, papers, etc.). They have trouble following instructions, focusing on time and completing 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 careless errors. They 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 have trouble regulating their emotions and can easily become overwhelmed or angry. They have a difficult time making and keeping friendships. They are often late to appointments and have trouble planning and organising. They may have poor eating habits such as eating less often and consuming high-calorie food.
A mental health professional will employ a variety of tests to see whether an adult suffers from ADHD. Physical and psychological tests, psychological assessments as well as interviews with parents, family members, friends, teachers, or colleagues are all part of the test. They will ask about the symptoms and how they have affected them. They might ask for their school records from the past or talk with their parents, teachers or others they knew when they were younger.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with work or social interactions. Moderate symptoms affect these areas, but they don't have a long-lasting negative impact on the person's life. Extreme symptoms can have a major negative impact on a person's academic, social and work life, and can be extremely disruptive to their daily lives.
adhd diagnosed with ADHD are able to receive the same treatment as children. The most frequently prescribed medication is stimulant medication. Examples of these include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) and dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two forms of psychological therapy.
Diagnosis
Adults often have difficulty diagnosing ADHD. Many adults have a long wait for an assessment which can be stressful and anxious. They may feel like they aren't understood by the professionals who evaluate them, especially if those professionals have an anti-ADHD biases and don't know that the signs of ADHD can be present in adults. The correct diagnosis can help determine the best treatment and support for adults suffering from ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional or mental health specialist will need to gather information from multiple sources, such as questionnaires, interviews with the person as well as feedback from other people who are familiar with them. They will also look for other disorders with similar symptoms. The health care provider will also look at the medical history of the patient and their family history to determine if there are any physical or mental illnesses.
In children, a doctor or specialist might use questionnaires filled out by the child's caregivers and teachers, as well as observations at school. They may also conduct an assessment of cognitive function and screen for learning issues. Additionally, they can rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD including depression, anxiety or abuse of substances.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge for adults, because the symptoms can change with time. In general, hyperactivity and impulsiveness become less of an issue as you age, but inattention remains a problem. Adults suffering from ADHD might also have difficulties in the workplace or maintaining healthy relationships. They may have difficulty keeping an employment position, adhering to corporate rules, and meeting deadlines. They might also be struggling with debt and finances due to excessive spending.
Adults who think they may have ADHD should consult their GP. They can refer them to a psychiatrist to be evaluated. The process can take a while, as NHS services are not as effective in their ability to diagnose ADHD and there are a lot of people who need assistance. If doctors are unable to identify ADHD or are unable to recognize the symptoms, then it is important to consult an experienced psychiatrist who has dealt with adult ADHD. Patients who do not wish to wait for NHS assessments should consider private healthcare. It's usually quicker and more convenient.
Treatment
People seek an ADHD assessment because their symptoms can cause problems at work and in relationships. These might include frequent disciplinary actions at the workplace, difficulties in college or at school, as well as ongoing issues with relationships and marriage.
Lifestyle changes and medication can help with a lot of these problems. In some cases psychotherapy may also be helpful. Stimulant medication is a typical treatment option for people suffering from ADHD however, people may also consider non-stimulant medications like melatonin or atomoxetine, to manage their symptoms. It is essential to test all treatment options to determine which one is the most effective for you.
In the UK, the majority of those diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment through the NHS. The system is increasingly under pressure, due to the fact that the demand for ADHD treatment overflows its capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for ADHD assessment. According to an investigation by BBC investigation, patients in England have to wait for up two years to receive an assessment.
The long wait times are a cause for anxiety. The NHS is attempting to reduce services according to criteria like symptom intensity, impairment and risk. However, this approach is problematic because it can cause patients to be disadvantaged or even excluded.
To avoid this problem, people should consult their GP to schedule an appointment with an expert clinic that diagnoses adult ADHD along with other neurodiverse disorders. They should explain their symptoms to the GP and it may be beneficial to know some knowledge of adult ADHD beforehand to help them prepare for the consultation.
After your GP recommends you to a specialist ADHD clinic and you'll be able to visit psychiatrist. They will evaluate your condition. They will take into consideration your personal and family history as well as the problems your symptoms are causing in your life. 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 might also suggest other treatments such as psychotherapy or lifestyle changes. For instance, they may suggest a change to your diet or regular exercise to boost your energy levels and focus. They might also suggest a career counselor to help with managing your time, or a counsellor who can help you learn coping techniques for emotional distress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. Many people with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time and have compensated for them as they grew older by working harder or studying to compensate for difficulty paying attention in classes or taking risks to prevent the consequences of acting impulsively. As adults they might have more responsibilities, such as running a household, raising children or pursuing a career which adds more pressure and stress to their lives. This can increase the severity of their symptoms, leading them to become stressed and unhappy.
Due to the increasing demand for ADHD tests and the limitations of capacity in the NHS, the NHS is currently experiencing lengthy waiting times. In the near future, it is likely that the NHS will implement a rationing system, whereby people will be given an appointment based upon several factors, including how severe their symptoms are and how much their difficulties affect their quality of life. This is a controversial notion, as it may cause some groups of patients to be disadvantaged, e.g. patients with comorbid illnesses.
The use of symptom or impairment scales can be used to ration care, but some patients might exaggerate their severity of their symptoms to satisfy the requirements. An alternative that is more sensible is to establish the standard that all patients need to meet. This will improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same quality of care.
If you suspect you might have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to your GP. They're not able to diagnose you in a formal manner however, they can refer you for an assessment by an expert psychiatrist. You can request a quicker referral if there are lengthy wait lists. This is possible because of your "right to select" which allows you to choose the NHS organisation who will provide your care.
Private mental health professionals offer ADHD assessments. The process is similar to that of the NHS and will involve a one-off consultation with a seasoned psychiatrist. They will be aware of your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, gathering information from symptom checklists and behavioural rating scales. They will then present you with an assessment of ADHD and discuss the best options for treatment.