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 investigate your concerns and refer you to the right service.
An NHS assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse. They will determine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. They will also rule out other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD has difficulty concentrating or keeping their mind on tasks. They often lose items that are essential to their daily work or activities (such as school supplies tools, wallets and tools, papers and eyeglasses). They have a difficult time trying to follow directions and keep track of time, and struggle to finish their work. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their time during games or conversations. They may interrupt others often, talk too much or make a few erroneous mistakes. They play with 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 have trouble regulating their emotions, and are easily angry or overwhelmed. They are unable to make and keeping friends. They have difficulties with organisation and planning, and they frequently miss appointments. They may have poor eating habits like not eating meals or choosing high-calorie food.
A mental health professional will use various tests to determine if a person suffers from ADHD. Physical examinations, psychological assessments as well as interviews with parents, family members, friends teachers, colleagues, or parents will be taken into consideration. They will ask questions about how their symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have been present since childhood. They may ask to see their old school records or speak with their teachers, parents, or others they knew when they were younger.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe. The mild symptoms are not affecting social or work relationships. Moderate symptoms can affect work and social relationships but they don't have a long-lasting negative impact on a person's life. Extreme symptoms can have a major negative impact on an individual's academic, social and work life and may be disruptive to their lives.
Adults suffering from ADHD can receive the same treatment as children. The most effective treatment is stimulant medication. often prescribed. Examples of these medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) and dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Psychological therapy includes cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques.
Diagnosis
Adults are often unable to diagnose ADHD. Many adults have a long wait for an assessment which can be a stressful and anxious. It is possible that they are not being understood by the professionals who assess them, especially if those professionals have an anti-ADHD bias and do not understand that symptoms of ADHD can be seen in adults. Finding the right diagnosis can help determine the best treatment and support for adults with ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD A health care professional or mental health specialist will have to gather information from multiple sources, including questionnaires, interviews with the person and feedback from people who know them well. They will also look for other disorders with similar symptoms. The health care professional will also review the medical history of the patient and their family history to determine if they suffer from any physical or mental illnesses.
In children, a doctor or specialist could utilize questionnaires completed by the child's teachers and caretakers, as well as observations in school. They may also conduct a cognitive test and test for learning disabilities. They also look for conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD such as anxiety, depression or abuse of substances.
Adults may have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because the symptoms change over time. In general, impulsivity and hyperactivity become less of an issue as adults, but inattentiveness is still a problem. Additionally, adults who have ADHD frequently have difficulty working in a professional setting and maintaining healthy relationships. They may have difficulty keeping a job, following corporate rules, and meeting deadlines. In addition, impulsive spending can cause financial problems and debt.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should talk to their doctor, who will refer them to a psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. The process can take some time, since NHS services have a limited number of resources to diagnose ADHD and a significant number of people who require help. If GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD or are unable to recognize the symptoms that are present, it is essential to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. Those who don't want to wait for NHS assessments should consider private healthcare. It is usually quicker and easier.
Treatment
The primary reason why people need an ADHD assessment is because the symptoms they experience are causing issues in work and relationships. These could include frequent disciplinary actions in the workplace, difficulties at school or college and ongoing issues with relationships and marriage.
Many of these problems can be solved by medications and lifestyle changes. In certain cases psychotherapy may also be helpful. Stimulant medication is a typical treatment option for people suffering from ADHD however, patients can also try non-stimulant drugs like melatonin or atomoxetine, to control their symptoms. It is important to try all treatment options in order to find the one that is most effective for you.
In the UK the majority of people suffering from ADHD are treated by the NHS. The system is increasingly under 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. A recent BBC investigation revealed that patients in England are facing waits of up to two years for an evaluation.
These long waiting periods are a source of anxiety. The NHS attempts to ration services according to criteria like severity of symptoms, impairment and risks. However, this approach is dangerous because it can result in patients being discriminated against or even being excluded.
To avoid this issue, people should consult their GP to schedule an appointment with a specialist clinic which diagnoses adult ADHD along with other neurodiverse disorders. They should describe their symptoms to their GP and it may be beneficial to know some information about adult ADHD beforehand to help them prepare for the consultation.
After your GP has directed you to an ADHD specialist clinic where you will be able to meet with psychiatrists who will assess your health condition. adult diagnosis adhd will take into account your family and personal history, as well as the problems that your symptoms create in your life. They will also consider the effects on your work, well-being and health.
Your physician may recommend that you start taking medications. They may also recommend other treatments, such as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. For instance, they could suggest a change in your diet or regular exercise to boost your energy levels and focus. They may also suggest a career counselor who can assist with time management, or a counsellor who can teach you strategies for dealing with emotional stress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. Many who suffer from ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time, and compensated for them as they grew older - by putting in extra effort or studying more to compensate for the difficulty in paying attention in classes or taking risks to prevent the consequences of acting out. As adults, they might be faced with more responsibilities like managing a home and raising children or even pursuing their career. This can add additional pressure and stress to their lives. This can increase the severity of symptoms, leading to people feeling overwhelmed and unhappy.
The NHS is currently struggling with lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessments because of the increased demand and the limited capacity. In the near future, it is likely that the NHS will adopt a 'rationing' approach which means that patients will be assigned an appointment based on various factors, including the severity of their symptoms and how badly their problems affect their quality of life. This is a controversial concept because it could cause some groups of patients to be disadvantaged, e.g. patients with comorbid illnesses.
The use of impairment or symptom scales can be used to limit care, but some patients might exaggerate their severity of their ailments in order to satisfy the criteria. A better option is to set a common standard that everyone must meet, as this will improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive an equal quality of care.
If you think you might have ADHD and you think you might have it, go to your GP. They are not able to diagnose you informally, but can refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment. You can request a speedier referral if there are long wait lists. This is made possible by your "right to select", which allows you to choose the NHS organisation who will take care of you.
Private mental health providers provide ADHD evaluations. The procedure is similar to the one of the NHS and will involve one-on-one consultation with a qualified psychiatrist. They will note your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological evaluation and gather information from symptom checklists and behavioural rating scales. The doctor will determine if you suffer from ADHD and will discuss the treatment options.