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ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your children might have ADHD. They will investigate your concerns and recommend the appropriate service.
An NHS assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse. They will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. They will also try to rule out other disorders like anxiety or depression.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD struggles with concentration or focusing their minds on tasks. They often lose things that are necessary for their daily activities or work (such as school materials tools, wallets as well as eyeglasses and papers). They are unable to follow instructions, focusing on time and completing work. They also have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games. They can be too busy, make careless mistakes, and interrupt others. They fidget, tap their feet or hands or squirm when they are 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 struggle to control their emotions, and are easily angry or excited. They have a difficult time making and maintaining friendships. They tend to be late for appointments and have difficulty planning and organising. They might have poor eating habits like eating less often and consuming high-calorie foods.
A mental health professional uses various tests to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. These will include psychological assessments, a physical examination, and interviews with their partners, family members, teachers or work colleagues. They will be asked questions regarding how their symptoms have affected their life and if they've been present since childhood. They might want to inquire about their the school records from their past or talk to their teachers, parents or any other individuals who knew them in their early years.
Adult symptoms of 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 do not have a long-lasting negative impact on a person's life. Severe symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's social academic and work life.
Adults with ADHD are eligible for the same treatment as children. The stimulant medication is the one most often prescribed. Examples of these medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym), dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Psychological therapy includes mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is not usually straightforward for adults. Adults often wait for a long time to receive an assessment. This can be stressful and depressing. Some may think that the professionals who conduct their assessments do not understand them, especially when they seem to have anti ADHD bias and are unable to comprehend that ADHD symptoms can manifest in adults. Getting the right diagnosis can help to determine the best treatment and support for adult ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional or mental health specialist will have to gather information from several sources, including questionnaires or interviews with the person and feedback from people who know them well. They will also check for other conditions that have similar symptoms. The health professional will also look at the medical history of the patient and their family history to determine if there is any mental or physical illnesses.
For children, a physician or specialist may use questionnaires that are completed by the child's teachers and caretakers, as well as observations at school. They can also conduct a cognitive assessment and screen for learning difficulties. They will also rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such a depression, anxiety or abuse of substances.
adhd diagnosis in adults may be challenged in diagnosing ADHD because the signs change over time. Generally speaking, the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive behavior are less problematic as you age, but inattention symptoms remain more of a challenge. Furthermore, those with ADHD often have difficulty working in a professional setting and maintaining healthy relationships. They may struggle to hold their job and adhering to corporate guidelines. Spending on impulse can result in financial issues and debt.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should speak to their GP, who can refer them to a psychiatrist for an assessment. The process can take a while, as NHS services have limited resources for diagnosing ADHD and a high number of people who need assistance. If doctors are unable to diagnose ADHD or are unable to recognize the signs 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 tests should consider private healthcare. It's usually faster and easier.
Treatment
The primary reason people need an ADHD assessment is because their symptoms are causing problems at work and in relationships. This includes frequent disciplinary actions in the workplace, difficulties at college or school and ongoing marital or relationships problems.
Lifestyle changes and medication can help with a lot of these issues. Psychotherapy can be helpful in certain situations. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications however, non-stimulant medications like melatonin or atomoxetine can assist in controlling symptoms. It is important to try every treatment option to determine which one is the most effective for you.
In the UK the majority of people diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment via the NHS. However, the system is facing growing pressures as demand is over capacity. This has led to long waiting times for ADHD assessment. A recent BBC investigation revealed that patients in England are waiting up to two years for an assessment.
The long wait periods are a source of concern. The NHS is attempting to reduce services by criteria such as severity of symptoms, impairment and risk. This method can be problematic, as it can lead patients to be disregarded or disadvantaged.
To avoid this issue, people should contact their GP for an appointment at an expert clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions. They should explain their symptoms to their GP, and it might be helpful to have some knowledge of adult ADHD beforehand to help them prepare for the consultation.
If your GP sends you to an expert ADHD clinic, you'll consult with a psychiatrist. They will assess your condition. They will consider your family history and personal life and any problems that your symptoms could be causing. They will also take into account the impact on your work, health and well-being.
Your psychiatrist may recommend that you begin taking medication. They might also suggest other treatments such as therapy or lifestyle changes. They may recommend that you change your diet or exercise regularly to increase your energy and focus. In addition, they might recommend a career coach to help you with time management or a counselor who will teach you coping strategies for your emotional stress and interpersonal challenges.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive an official diagnosis until they reach adulthood. They might have suffered from their symptoms for a long time trying to cope with them as they got older and had to work harder or study more to make up for difficulties paying attention to class or taking risks to avoid the consequences of acting impulsively. As they grow older, they could be faced with more responsibilities like managing a household, raising children or trying to pursue a career. This can add additional stress and demands to their lives. This can cause an increase in the intensity of symptoms, leading to people feeling overwhelmed and unhappy.
Due to the increasing demand for ADHD tests and the limitations of capacity, the NHS is currently experiencing lengthy waiting times. 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 several factors that include how severe their symptoms are and how badly their problems affect their quality of life. This is a controversial notion, as it may cause some groups of patients to be excluded, e.g. patients with comorbid illnesses.
The use of impairment or symptom scales can be used to determine the level of treatment, however certain patients may exaggerate the severity of their symptoms in order to satisfy the requirements. The best solution is to come up with a standard that all need to meet. This will improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same level of care.
If you think you might have ADHD you should to speak with your GP. They're not able to diagnose you in a formal manner, but they can send you for an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist. If there are long waiting lists, you can request for a faster referral through your 'right to choose' option, which lets you select the NHS organisation that provides your care when you're referred.
Private mental health providers offer ADHD assessments. The procedure is similar to that of the NHS and will involve one-time consultation with an experienced psychiatrist. They will take note of your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological evaluation by analyzing symptoms checklists and behavioural rating scales. The doctor will diagnose ADHD and will discuss possible treatment options.