Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
It is often difficult to get an adhd diagnosis at the age of adulthood. NHS services are not funded and there may be long wait times to be referred for an assessment.
If referred to a psychiatrist, they will be looking to confirm that the symptoms have been present since the time of childhood (old school reports can help) and will also ask about co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. A private route could be a faster and more empathetic service.
How do you get a medical diagnosis
If you're struggling to keep up with the demands of your work or at home, are losing your keys frequently, or have difficulty staying in contact with family members, it may be a good idea to talk to your GP regarding possible ADHD. While a lot of people suffering from ADHD don't have a diagnosis, it is the most prevalent mental health condition in the UK. The good news is that obtaining an accurate diagnosis and undergoing treatment can help you get back in order.
If your GP believes that you might have ADHD, he or she will send you to a suitable mental health clinic. This could be a community mental health or a specialised neurodevelopmental service. There might be a long waiting time for an evaluation but you can accelerate the process by doing certain things.
You may be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire prior to your ADHD assessment. It will ask you how often you experience certain symptoms and how stressful they are. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment may also ask for older school records or any other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The psychiatrist will also want you to be sure that your condition causes significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. This could mean you lose your job because of inadequate time management, causing major conflict and distress in your relationship, or slipping into financial trouble due to excessive spending.
A medical examination will be carried out before your exam to eliminate any other medical conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms you've been experiencing, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also see if you have any other physical impairments, like hearing loss or a learning disabilities.
If you decide to have a private assessment, it's recommended to confirm whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with the clinic you have chosen. This means that the clinic will contact your GP with the necessary paperwork that allows you to go back to your NHS provider for treatment. This will include medication and CBT therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing moment for those who have fought all their lives with symptoms of this disorder. It can help to explain why they have been struggling and give them hope for the future. A diagnosis can bring many difficult feelings.
A private ADHD evaluation by a specialist psychiatrist will assist you in getting a diagnosis and the best treatment for your symptoms. They will employ various methods to assess your symptoms, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales and more. They will also ask you to write about how your symptoms affect your daily life and request any information from your family or acquaintances.
They will then utilize this evidence to make a diagnostic decision. They will consider the way your ADHD symptoms impact your life and if they are causing significant impairment. They will also look at whether you have other mental health issues that may cause similar symptoms. If they conclude that you have ADHD, they will prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether you want to consider other options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological methods.
The medication can be very beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. However it's not a cure. It can be difficult to manage the side effects of ADHD medication. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions.
In England in the last year, adults were prescribed more ADHD medication than children. This is a big rise over previous years and it's even more pronounced since the Covid-19 pandemic. This rise in prescriptions is due to the availability of drugs that were previously available only for children. The most commonly prescribed drugs are methylphenidate hydrochloride as well as lisdexamfeta dimesylate.
If you're looking to get a private ADHD assessment, we suggest you speak to your GP first to see what the NHS can provide you with. They'll be more than happy to refer you to an ADHD assessment, however there could be long waiting lists. If this is the case, print a support letter from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter explains that only a specialist doctor can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse to do so.
CBT
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of life of an adult. Many people feel it provides an explanation for their difficulties throughout their lives and can aid them in understanding how they differ. It can be a very difficult condition to manage. People with ADHD have difficulty in their relationships, work and academics. They may feel angry and are often misunderstood. It is beneficial to speak to other people who suffer from ADHD and to remember that you're not alone.
The best way to be diagnosed with ADHD is to consult an expert psychiatrist or psychologist. In the UK, they are the only healthcare professionals competent to diagnose adult ADHD. You may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes doctors, psychologists and nurses are unaware of the condition and they may be prone to react with anti-ADHD prejudice. You may need to go through several times before finding a specialist with appropriate knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment your psychiatrist will want to evaluate whether your symptoms result in significant impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms, how they have affected your life, and if you have any family history of ADHD. They will also want to rule out conditions such as thyroid issues, depression or thyroid problems, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. They will likely use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine ADHD symptoms. However they won't rely solely on these to determine a diagnosis.
After the assessment Your psychiatrist will then discuss and decide on the treatment plan. They will likely offer you medication, but they might also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-to-face, but can also be offered over the phone or online.
CBT assists you in changing your thinking patterns and behavior to lessen the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can teach you how to cope with distressing emotions such as shame or embarrassment. CBT can teach you techniques that will assist you in managing your symptoms. For example, time management and self care.
Support
Assistance is available if you have undiagnosed ADHD. There are a myriad of choices for treatment that include medication and talk therapies. There are services available to help you at work, at the classroom or at home. The Access to Work scheme offers financial and practical assistance to those who are unable to find work due to ADHD. adhd diagnosed will help with things like job coaching and training, and is targeted at adults with ADHD who are employed in work. There are many charities that can help you find work or return to work. The ADD UK website has a list of charities. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
You could request your GP to refer you to a specialist if they don't have the time or expertise to assess ADHD. This will likely involve a longer assessment, a physical examination and interviews with people who know you. The GP will require detailed information from you about your symptoms, the length of time they have been present for and the impact they have on you. They will need to be certain that your symptoms are not caused by a different illness, for example a mood disorder.
GPs and healthcare professionals should be aware of the differences between ADHD symptoms in children and adults, and how they change as time passes. It's a good idea prepare for the assessment by recording your symptoms and how they've affected you, especially during your childhood. It is also possible to write down any problems in your life. Bring the details if, for example, you have difficulty organising your home, or getting along well with other people.
You can try to obtain an assessment from the NHS for ADHD however, it is often a long process. NHS GPs, specialists and other healthcare professionals are typically under-resourced and have little knowledge of ADHD. The best solution is to visit an individual psychiatrist. They are likely to be more familiar with ADHD in adults, and will check you for other mental health issues like depression. If needed, they can also send letters of recommendation to your workplace or school. Prices vary, but in London they typically are between PS500 and PS1,200.