ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Talk to your GP if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. They will take your concerns very seriously and will refer you to a service that can assist.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. They will also try to rule out other disorders like depression or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD might have trouble focusing on a task or maintaining their attention. They frequently lose items that are essential to their daily activities or work (such as school materials tools, wallets and tools, papers and eyeglasses). 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 interrupt other people often, talk too much or make a few erroneous mistakes. They fidget, tap their hands or feet, or squirm when 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 upset or angry. They have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They tend to be late for appointments and have a hard time planning and organising. They may have poor eating habits, such as not eating meals or choosing foods that are high in calories.
A mental health professional uses different tests to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. Physical and psychological tests, psychological assessments, and interviews with family members, friends and teachers will be taken into consideration. They will ask questions about how their symptoms have affected their lives and if they've been present since childhood. They might ask for their old school records or speak with their parents, teachers, or other people they had contact with when they were younger.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms are those that are not affecting work or social relationships. Moderate symptoms can disrupt work and social relationships however they don't have a lasting negative impact on an individual's life. The severity of symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's social, academic and professional life.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD are similar to that for children. The most commonly prescribed medication is a stimulant medication. Examples of these include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) and dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Psychological therapy is a combination of mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is not usually straightforward for adults. Adults are often waiting a long time for an assessment. This can be stressful and a source of stress. They may feel that they are not being understood by the professionals who assess them, especially if the professionals have an anti-ADHD biases and don't understand that symptoms of ADHD can be seen in adults. Finding the right diagnosis can help determine the best treatment options and support for adults with ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD Health care specialists or mental health professionals will require information through several sources. These include questionnaires, interviews, and feedback from people who know the person well. They will also look for other conditions that have similar symptoms. The health care provider will also look at the medical history of the patient and their family history to determine if they suffer from any physical or mental ailments.
In the case of children, a doctor or specialist may utilize questionnaires completed by the child's teachers and caregivers and also observations in school. They can also conduct an assessment of the brain and screen for learning difficulties. They can also rule out conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such a anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs.
Adults may have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because the signs change with time. Generally speaking, the impulsive and hyperactive symptoms are less problematic as you age, but inattention symptoms remain more difficult to manage. Additionally, adults who have ADHD often have difficulty at work and maintaining healthy relationships. adult adhd diagnoses may have trouble keeping a job, following corporate rules, and completing deadlines. They might also have issues with debt and finances due to impulsive spending.
Adults who believe they have ADHD should consult their doctor. They can then refer them to a psychiatrist to be assessed. The process may take some time, as NHS services are not as effective in their ability to detect ADHD and there are many people who require assistance. If GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD or aren't able to recognize the symptoms that are present, it is essential to see an experienced psychiatrist who has dealt with adult ADHD. Patients who do not want to wait on NHS evaluations should look into private healthcare. It's usually faster and more convenient.
Treatment
The primary reason why people need an ADHD assessment is that their symptoms are causing problems in relationships and work. These could include frequent disciplinary actions at the workplace, issues at school or college and ongoing marital and relationship problems.
Medication and lifestyle changes can solve many of these issues. Psychotherapy can be beneficial in some cases. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication but non-stimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and melatonin can aid in reducing symptoms. It is crucial to test all treatment options to determine which one is the most effective for you.
In the UK, most people with ADHD are treated by the NHS. However the system is under increasing pressures with demand far exceeding capacity. This has led to long waiting times for ADHD assessment. According to an investigation by BBC investigation patients in England face waiting times of up to two years for an assessment.
These long waiting times are a cause for concern. The NHS tries rationing services based on criteria such as severity of symptoms, impairment and risks. This approach isn't always a good idea, as it can lead patients to be disregarded or even disadvantaged.
To avoid this issue, people should consult their GP to make an appointment at a specialist clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD as well as other neurodiverse disorders. They should describe their symptoms to the GP, and it might be helpful to have some knowledge about adult ADHD prior to the appointment to help prepare for the consultation.
After the GP has referred you to an ADHD specialist clinic and you have a consultation with psychiatrists who will assess your disorder. They will consider your personal and family history, as well as any problems that your symptoms might be causing you. They will also look at the impact on your work, well-being and health.
Your doctor may suggest that you begin taking medication. They may also recommend other treatments such as psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. They might suggest changing your diet or exercise routine to increase your energy and focus. They might also suggest a career counselor to help with managing your time, or a counsellor who can teach you coping techniques for emotional distress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood. They might have suffered from their symptoms for years trying to cope with their age - working harder or studying more to make up for difficulties paying attention in school, or taking risks to avoid the repercussions of acting impulsively. As they grow older, they could have more responsibilities, such as running a home and raising children, or trying to pursue a career. This can add more stress and demands to their lives. This might increase the severity of their symptoms, causing them to become overwhelmed and unhappy.
Due to the growing demand for ADHD assessments and limited capacity, the NHS is currently experiencing long waiting times. In the near future, it's likely that the NHS will adopt a rationing approach which means that patients will be assigned an appointment based on a number of factors, including how severe their symptoms are and how badly their problems impact their quality of life. This is a controversial notion that could lead to certain groups of patients be marginalized, e.g. Those with comorbid diseases.
Rationing could be accomplished through the use of impairment and symptom scales, but there are concerns that patients may exaggerate their reporting to satisfy the standards. An alternative that is more sensible is to come up with a standard that all must be able to meet. This will improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same level of care.
If you think you might be suffering from ADHD, you should go to your GP. They are not able to diagnose you informally but they may refer you to a psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. If there are long waiting lists, you can apply for a quicker referral using your 'right to choose', which allows you to select the NHS organisation that provides the care you need when you're referred.
Private mental health providers can also provide ADHD assessments. The process is similar with the NHS and consists of only one consultation with a psychiatrist. They will listen to your concerns and perform an extensive psychological assessment by gathering data using symptom checklists and behavior rating scales. They will then present you with the diagnosis of ADHD and provide the best options for treatment.