10 Quick Tips For Adult Diagnosis Of ADHD
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a real problem which can cause severe impairment. It is a problem that affects all ages and can be treated by taking stimulant drugs.
It's important that you talk with your GP about your symptoms if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. They'll then refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
1. See your GP
The first step is to talk with your GP. It is important to tell your GP what you are feeling and how your symptoms impact your life, if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to an expert in ADHD if they feel it's beneficial.
Generally the ADHD assessment is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist psychologist (though this isn't always the situation). They will ask about your symptoms, how they affect you every day and examine your medical history. This may include any mental health issues that you've been through before. They will request examples from your childhood and examine the impact of your symptoms in various areas of your life. They will also examine your family history, and whether you or your children have been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis, especially as adults, and sometimes you will be criticized by experts who don't know about the disorder. This can be especially challenging especially if you're of color or have a gender-specific diagnosis at birth, or not an English-speaking native.
It is worth asking your GP what the reason is for why he/she is reluctant to refer you to a specialist. There are likely some valid medical reasons. It could be that they don't believe your symptoms are sufficiently significant or have been present for an extended period of time. It may be worth changing GPs, or using your "Right to Choose" to get a personal assessment commissioned by the NHS.
The Psychiatry Association of Britain has a really helpful guide about how to do this here. If your GP is not willing to make this referral you can try another GP, or even self-refer to an independent provider yourself, which is inexpensive in comparison to an NHS Maudsley referral! It is worth a try to get your ADHD evaluated and get a diagnosis within six weeks.
2. Ask for an assessment
You can ask your GP for an assessment If you are worried about whether you or your child may have ADHD. They'll be delighted to refer you to an assessment, but they may say that your symptoms are not ADHD-related. It is not necessary to accept this - you can seek out an independent provider to conduct an assessment, and many people find that this is the quickest and easiest way to go.
You will be asked to fill out questionnaires and forms prior to the clinical interview. It is usually an experienced psychologist who is involved (although it can also be a psychiatrist, or any other mental health professional).
They will look at your past and how ADHD symptoms have affected you. It is important to be open and honest so that they can get an understanding of your issues. They will also watch your behaviour at work, at home or at school, and with your family and friends. They may also request a medical examination and may order blood tests to rule out any other health issues.
It is standard for the NHS to provide an ADHD assessment to anyone who has been referred by their GP. However, this service can have long waiting times and you must be aware that not all providers of NHS ADHD assessments are equal. Some providers have shorter wait times than others and they are accessible on the internet. This is an advantage.
The Psychologist will look at your symptoms and decide if you have ADHD. They will also look for any other mental health issues which can be caused by ADHD. For instance, they could look for depression and anxiety as these can be co-morbid with ADHD. The doctor will then offer you advice on medication options. If you agree to this, your GP will be contacted regarding shared medication treatment.
If you opt to go the private route, your psychiatrist will be able to provide a quicker diagnosis as they are accustomed to working with adults who suffer from ADHD. They also assist in evaluate other mental health conditions and are aware of what they are and how they impact someone with ADHD.
3. Request a referral a specialist
If you're uncertain if you're suffering from ADHD or another mental health issue, the best thing to make is to book an appointment with your GP. During an open and honest conversation, you will be able to talk about your symptoms and the way they impact your life. If your GP thinks you may have ADHD symptoms, they'll refer you to the NHS for an ADHD assessment. If your GP is unable to make this referral or you're waiting too long on the NHS ADHD assessment list, you can choose to self-refer.
You will typically be examined by either psychologist or psychiatrist, who are the only healthcare professionals in the UK trained to diagnose ADHD (NICE guidelines). They will ask you about your family medical history and may also interview a trusted close acquaintance or colleague. Video calls can be used to conduct an interview with you or the interview may be conducted in person. The expert will discuss your current issues and perform some tests that are clinical which could include ADHD questionnaires. adhd diagnosis adults uk 'll also ask you how your symptoms affect your home, work and social life. They'll also inquire about other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Based on the outcome of your diagnosis, you may be offered medication and a treatment plan. You may be referred your GP who will manage the condition with you. The majority of ADHD adults report a significant improvement in their life after diagnosis - without taking medication.
It can be challenging to find a psychiatrist with experience in the treatment of ADHD and whose practice reflects the standards set by NICE. There are private psychiatrists with a lot of experience that can provide a professional, efficient service. You can find a psychiatrist here. A lot of them offer online assessments, which are quicker than an NHS referral. They typically cost between PS600 and PS1,200, but they are eligible to receive funding from the NHS under the Right To Choose scheme.
4. Ask for an answer to your question.
Adults have a harder time diagnosing their risk of adhd than children. The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared more towards diagnosing children than adults. Typically psychiatrists will collect an extensive history of symptoms and the impact they have on you personally as well as family members and colleagues. They may also ask to examine a variety documentation like old school records and job reviews.
This is a subjective and thorough process, particularly for adults. Psychiatrists will seek to rule out possible causes of your ADHD symptoms, like thyroid or depression. They'll also want to confirm that your symptoms were present since your childhood. It can be difficult to prove this, particularly if the person is now an adult and has not been in touch with their former teachers. It can be very beneficial to bring documents to your exam including checklists and notes from friends and family members.
It is very important that your GP is able to learn about your symptoms and their impact on you in your daily life and then refer you to an expert for an ADHD assessment. NICE guidelines suggest that doctors shouldn't diagnose themselves, as they aren't psychiatrists trained. They can only provide treatment options like medication and psychotherapy.
If your doctor recommends it is recommended, the NHS will pay for an ADHD assessment. Seek out a psychiatrist to conduct the test, as they have been trained to diagnose and manage ADHD. The assessment should include the discussion in person as well as observations of how you function in different settings, such as at home, work as well as at school. It is common for students to complete questionnaires as well.
If you are unhappy with the NHS waiting times, you can also request a private assessment. Our guide will provide more details on how to proceed and the options available.