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 seriously and refer you to a service that can help.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. They will also rule out other conditions like depression or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating on a single task or keeping their focus. They frequently lose items that are essential for their daily activities (for instance, school supplies tools keys, bags, papers, eyeglasses). They find it hard to follow directions and keep track of time, and they are unable to finish their work. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their time during games or conversations. They may talk too much and make a few blunders and interrupt others. They tend to fidget or tap their feet, hands or squirm their seat. 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 are unable to make and keeping friends. They tend to be late for appointments and have a hard time organizing and planning. They may also have poor eating habits, such as skipping meals and choosing foods that are high in calories.
A mental health professional will employ a variety of tests to determine whether an adult suffers from ADHD. These tests include psychological assessments, a physical examination, and interviews with their partners, family members and teachers as well as work colleagues. They will ask questions regarding how their symptoms have affected their lives and if they've been present since childhood. They may request their old school records or speak with their teachers, parents or other people they had contact with when they were younger.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. The mild symptoms are not a hindrance in work or social relationships. Moderate symptoms interfere with those 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 an individual's social, work and academic life and may be disruptive to their daily lives.
Adults suffering from ADHD are eligible for the same treatment as children. The most effective treatment is stimulant medication. commonly prescribed. Examples of these drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym), dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). adhd undiagnosed in adults (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two types of psychological therapy.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is not always straightforward for adults. Adults are often waiting for a long time to receive an assessment. This can be stressful and distressing. It is possible that they are not understood by the experts who evaluate them, particularly if those professionals have an anti-ADHD biases and don't understand that symptoms of ADHD can be present in adults. Finding the right diagnosis can help to determine the best treatment options and support for adult ADHD.
To determine the cause of ADHD A health care professional or mental health specialist must gather information from several sources, including questionnaires or interviews with the person as well as feedback from other people who know them well. They will also look for other conditions that have similar symptoms. Additionally the health care professional will examine the patient's medical history and family history to determine whether any mental or physical ailments are present.
In children, a doctor or specialist might use questionnaires that are completed by the child's caregivers and teachers and also observations at school. They may also conduct a cognitive assessment and look for learning difficulties. They will also rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge for adults, as the symptoms can change with time. Generally, the impulsive and hyperactive symptoms diminish when you reach adulthood, whereas inattention symptoms remain more difficult to manage. In addition, people with ADHD frequently have difficulty at work and maintaining healthy relationships. They may have trouble keeping their job, adhering to corporate guidelines, and meeting deadlines. Spending on impulse can lead to financial problems and debt.
Adults who believe they have ADHD should speak to their doctor. They can then refer them to a psychiatrist for them to be evaluated. The process can take a long time, because NHS services are not equipped to diagnose ADHD and a large number of people in need of assistance. Doctors may not have the experience and expertise to correctly assess ADHD, so if they are unable to recognize the symptoms, it is essential to find a psychiatrist with a good understanding of adult ADHD. People who don't want to wait on NHS tests should consider private healthcare. It's usually faster and easier.
Treatment
People seek an ADHD evaluation due to the fact that their symptoms cause issues at work and in relationships. This can be due to frequent disciplinary measures in the workplace, difficulties at school or college, and ongoing marital and relationship issues.
Medication and lifestyle changes can help with a lot of these issues. Psychotherapy can be helpful in certain cases. Stimulant medication is a typical treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD, but people can also try non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or melatonin to manage their symptoms. It is essential to test every treatment option to find the one that is the most effective for you.
In the UK, most people with ADHD are treated by the NHS. The system is under increasing pressure as the demand for ADHD treatment far exceeds the capacity of the system. This has led to lengthy waiting times for ADHD evaluations. A recent BBC investigation revealed that patients in England are waiting up to two years for an evaluation.
The long wait periods are a source of anxiety. The NHS is trying to reduce services by using criteria such as symptom severity impairment, risk and severity. This approach can be problematic and can cause patients to be denied services or marginalized.
To avoid this problem people should consult their GP to make an appointment with an expert clinic that diagnoses adult ADHD along with other neurodiverse disorders. They should tell their GP the symptoms they are experiencing. It might also be helpful to prepare for the appointment by reading about adult ADHD.
If your GP sends you to an expert ADHD clinic where you'll meet with a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will evaluate your condition. They will consider your personal and family history, as well as the problems that your symptoms are causing in your life. They will also consider the impact on your work health and wellbeing.
Your physician may recommend that you begin taking medication. They could also suggest other treatments such as psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments. For instance, they could suggest a change to your diet or routine exercise to improve your energy levels and focus. They may also suggest an expert career counselor to assist with managing your time, or a counsellor who can help you learn strategies for dealing with emotional stress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people who suffer from 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 their age by working harder or studying more to make up for difficulties paying attention in class or taking risks to avoid the consequences of acting out in a reckless manner. As adults they might have more responsibilities, such as managing a household, bringing up children or pursuing a career which adds more demands and stress to their lives. This could cause an increase in the severity of their symptoms, leading them to feel overwhelmed and unhappy.
The NHS is currently faced with long wait times for ADHD tests, which is due to an increase in demand and a lack of capacity. In the future it is likely that NHS will adopt a "rationing" approach in which patients are allocated an appointment depending on various factors like the severity of their symptoms as well as how much their issues affect their quality of living. This is a controversial concept, as it may cause certain groups of patients to be excluded, e.g. patients with comorbid conditions.
Rationing could be achieved via the use of impairment and symptom scales, but there are concerns that patients could exaggerate their reports to satisfy the standards. An alternative that is more sensible would be to agree on an acceptable standard that everyone must be able to meet. This would improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same quality of care.
If you think you might have ADHD, it is best to consult your GP. They can't diagnose you officially, but can refer you to a psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. You can request a speedier referral if there are lengthy wait lists. This is made possible by your "right to select" which allows you to choose the NHS organisation who will offer your treatment.
Private mental health providers offer ADHD assessments. The process is similar to the NHS, and involves only one consultation with a psychiatrist. They will be aware of your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological examination and gather information from symptom checklists and behavioural rating scales. They will then give you an assessment of ADHD and provide the best options for treatment.