Are You In Search Of Inspiration? Check Out Adult Diagnosis Of ADHD
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a real problem that can result in serious impairment. It is prevalent in all age groups and can be treated by taking stimulant drugs.
If you suspect that you have ADHD it's essential to speak with your GP and be open and honest about the symptoms. They will then be able refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
1. Check with your GP
The first step is to talk with your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP what you are feeling and how your symptoms affect your life, if they suspect that you suffer from ADHD. If they think it would be beneficial, they can refer you to an ADHD expert.
Generally it is the case that an ADHD assessment is carried out by a psychiatrist or a specialist psychologist (though it isn't always the situation). They will ask about your symptoms, how they affect you on a daily basis, and review your medical history. This could include any mental health issues you have suffered from previously. They often request examples from your childhood and examine the way your symptoms impact different areas of your life. They will also consider your family history and whether they have had a prior diagnosis of ADHD either in themselves or their children.
It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis, particularly as an adult. You could also face some prejudice from professionals who do not know about the condition. This is especially difficult for those of color, have a gender assigned at birth, or not a native English-speaking person.
It is worthwhile asking your GP the reason he or she isn't inclined to refer you to a specialist. There could be valid medical reasons. It could be that they do not believe your symptoms are severe enough or have been present for a long period of time. If this is the case, it could be worthwhile to consider changing GPs or and make use of your 'Right To Choose' to receive an NHS private assessment that has been commissioned.
Here is an article from Psychiatry UK that explains how you can do this. If your doctor is unable to allow this, attempt it again with a different doctor or self-refer to a private provider which is much less expensive than an NHS Maudsley Referral! It's worth it to have your ADHD evaluated and receive a diagnosis in six weeks.
2. Ask for an assessment
If you are worried about whether or not you're suffering from ADHD or if your child might have it If you are concerned about whether or not you have ADHD, ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. They should be willing to do so, however they might inform you that you don't meet the requirements for ADHD because your symptoms are more closely related to a different disorder. You do not have to accept this You can go to an individual provider for an assessment and many people find this to be the most efficient and fastest option.
Once you have been asked to an ADHD assessment and treatment, you will be required to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to a clinical interview with your specialist. Most often, it's a psychologist who is involved (although it can also be a psychiatrist, or another mental health professional).
They will review your history and how ADHD symptoms have affected you. You must be honest and transparent to allow them to understand your problems. They will also watch your behaviour at work, at home or at school, and with your family and friends. They may also request an exam and blood tests to rule out any other ailments out.
The NHS can provide an ADHD assessment to anyone who has been recommended by their doctor. However, the service could be a long wait and you must be aware that not all providers of NHS ADHD assessments are equal. Some have shorter wait times than others and are more easily accessible online, which can be an enormous advantage.
The Psychologist will look at your symptoms and determine if you have ADHD. They will also look for other mental illnesses that can be a result of ADHD. For adhd diagnosis in adults uk , they may test for depression and anxiety because they can co-exist with ADHD. The doctor will then give you suggestions on medications. If you accept to this, your GP will be contacted to discuss shared medication treatment.
If you opt to take the private route, the psychiatrist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis faster as they are accustomed to working with adult males and women who suffer from ADHD. Additionally they are experienced in looking for other mental health issues and will be aware of how they might affect someone suffering from ADHD.
3. Request a recommendation.
If you're not sure if you suffer from ADHD or another mental health issue the best thing to make is to book an appointment with your GP. In a candid and honest conversation, you'll be able to talk about your symptoms and the ways in which they affect your life. If your GP suspects that you are suffering from ADHD symptoms, they will recommend you to the NHS for an ADHD assessment. If your GP is unable to do this, or you are waiting too long on the NHS ADHD assessment list, you can decide to self-refer.
You are typically seen by psychologist or psychiatrist as they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to diagnose ADHD (NICE guidelines). They'll ask you about your family background of mental health issues and will also interview a trusted close acquaintance or colleague. Video calls can be used to interview you or the interview could take place in person. The specialist will talk to you about your current problems and conduct some clinical tests that could include ADHD questionnaires. They'll also inquire about how your symptoms are affecting your work, home and social life. They'll also take into consideration other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and depression.
Depending on the results of your diagnosis you may be offered medication and an treatment plan. In addition, you'll be taken back to your GP for shared management. The good news is that most ADHD adults see a huge improvement in their lives post-diagnosis - and this is even if they don't take medication.
It can be a challenge to find a psychiatrist who has experience in the treatment of ADHD and whose practices conform to the standards established by NICE. There are private psychiatrists who have significant expertise who can provide an efficient, professional service. You can find a psychiatrist here, and many of them provide online assessments that can be faster than an NHS referral. They charge between PS600 and PS1,200, but are eligible for funding from the NHS through the Right To Choose scheme.
4. Ask for an answer to your question.
Finding out the extent of your adhd risk is trickier for adults than children. The DSM-5 symptom guide is very specifically designed to diagnose children, but does not offer as clear an avenue to make a diagnosis for adults. A psychiatrist will generally ask you to give a detailed account of your symptoms, and how they affect you and the members of your family and at work. They may also request to see old school reports or job reviews.
This is a subjective and thorough process, especially for adults. Psychiatrists will try to rule out other possible causes for your ADHD symptoms such as thyroid issues or depression. They will also determine if your symptoms have been there since the time you were a child. It can be challenging to prove this, especially when the person is an adult and has not been in contact with their former teachers. It can be very helpful to bring documents to your exam like checklists or notes from family and friends.
It is important that your GP spends time analyzing your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily life. They must then refer you to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. It is against NICE guidelines that GPs make their own diagnosis, since they are not trained psychiatrists, and can only offer treatments such as medication and psychotherapy.
If your GP recommends it and you are referred to by your GP, the NHS will pay for an ADHD assessment. It is best to ask to have this done by a psychiatrist, since they are trained in the management and diagnosis of ADHD. The test should comprise both an individual discussion as well as observations of how you function in different settings such as at home, at work or at school. You will also be asked to answer questions.
If you are not happy with the NHS waiting time, you can request an assessment privately. Our guide will provide more details on how you can proceed and the options available.