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ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Many adults seek an ADHD assessment because they believe something is not quite right. They may have concerns about their work or relationships.
According to current NHS guidelines in England and Wales you are legally entitled to receive an ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor will follow NICE Guidelines and will also request reports from observer people who know you well, particularly as you were a child.
What is an ADHD assessment?
Your child or you can find out whether they suffer from ADHD through an ADHD assessment. You will be questioned by an approved specialist psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They may use checklists and behavior ratings scales to assess your symptoms. They may also ask people who know you. They may also ask for your medical history as well as a physical examination to rule out conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder that may be a symptom of ADHD.
It is essential to be honest during your evaluation. If you're not honest, the person evaluating you might think that you're not really serious about getting an assessment or that your symptoms don't seem that severe. In the course of your assessment, you'll likely be asked to provide details about your personal history with mental health and the history of your family members and any issues at school or at work. You may be asked for the completion of a questionnaire or an assessment of your behavior. You'll also need to pay attention to the test.
To be diagnosed you must show at least six symptoms of ADHD that manifest in more than one setting such as school and home, and affect your daily life. These symptoms must have started in your early childhood, prior to the age of 12, and they can't be explained by a disorder, like depression or anxiety. You may be referred back to your GP to seek treatment, or you could decide to consult an independent psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD.
If you choose to take the private route, you'll discover that the wait is significantly less than the NHS. It's not uncommon to have to wait for more than a whole year for an assessment on the NHS, and that could be a major blow for those who are struggling to cope. Some people on the waiting list have even committed suicide because they could not stand the frustration and anxiety of waiting for an evaluation. Private treatment allows you to begin treatment quickly. The majority of private psychiatrists are skilled in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can also screen and treat co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression.
Why do I require an assessment?
If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD or are experiencing problems in your everyday life that could be caused by it you should have an expert mental assessment. This is best done by a qualified psychiatrist who is familiar with neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD. Psychotherapists and psychologists also do this type of evaluation. If you're not sure which therapy to pick, you could ask your doctor for a recommendation or another therapist you know. You can also search the internet for local professionals with a good reputation. Some insurance plans also provide lists of professional who are qualified.
The process of a full clinical diagnosis will involve questions and a formal interview with the specialist. The primary focus will be on your symptoms within a current work, family and social setting. The psychiatrist will ask you about the history of your symptoms as a teenager and child however, they will also focus on the impact your symptoms have had in adulthood. They will also check for any other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Depending on who you are and the circumstances, they may request information about your family and friends. It is also not uncommon for them to request that you bring old school reports or other documents to look over. This can be a stressful part of the process, as it is difficult to remember specifics concerning your experiences in adolescence or childhood.
The process is more difficult if you're or belong to a minority group or gender non-conforming (GGN). In the UK for instance there is still a prejudice against people of color, GNCs and females being diagnosed with ADHD even though the symptoms are clear. This can make it harder to receive a diagnosis, but it is possible for GPs to refer you to an individual specialist like a Wellbeing Centre or Priory Hospital to conduct an evaluation. You can also sign a shared-care agreement with your GP to make the process easier. However, not all GPs will be able to do this.
How can I have an assessment completed?
Your GP is your primary health care provider and is the best in referring you to an assessment. Alternately, you can call a private specialist like Priory and organise an appointment on your own. Priory's psychiatrists are experts with years of experience diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are able to offer the full range of treatment options.
If read here decides to refer you for treatment, they'll request you and a close friend or family member to complete some questionnaires before your appointment. These can be found on your portal's dashboard. They should be completed 24 hours prior to the appointment. They are designed to identify behaviors that may be indicative of ADHD. Your doctor will then arrange for an onward referral to a commissioned adult ADHD service.
It is usually provided by the local community mental health team assuming that you live within the catchment area offering this service. They will perform a comprehensive mental and psychiatric examination that includes a review of other disorders like anxiety and depression that may sometimes resemble ADHD symptoms.
You should also be aware of any mental health issues that you might have or have had in the past. These could impact your ability to get assessed for ADHD. You may also bring any feedback or reports from your teachers supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Additionally, you can give details of any assistance you receive at home, like through a GP or non-profit organization like EmployAbility.
The psychiatrist will discuss the results with you once they've completed their assessment. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they'll give you an individual care plan that could include recommendations for medication. The care plan may also provide any other support they think would be beneficial for you, such as providing you with information on therapy sessions or coaching.
We know that it can be difficult to access the help you need if your social or health medical needs are complex. We offer a confidential, no-cost call with an assistant psychology to help you determine what support is available. This could include an introduction to local ADHD support group or a check of eligibility for government-funded schemes such as Access to Work.
What happens during an assessment?
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is one of the first steps towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause significant problems in many settings, from the home to work. An extensive interview with an experienced professional and a variety of psychometric tests is usually part of an evaluation. The results can be used to determine the extent to which symptoms affect a person and whether or not they are caused by medical conditions or any other causes.
A comprehensive assessment involves collecting detailed information about the person's background, especially when the symptoms began and the length of time they have been present. The specialist will also need to understand the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's life in general, which includes work, school and relationships. This will be based on a definition of impairment which examines whether the person was fired due to their difficulties with time management or put on academic probation due to poor grades.
An interview will be conducted by a seasoned psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is certified to conduct ADHD tests. Professionals may employ different methods and materials, but certain protocols are necessary to conduct a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed interview and standardized ratings for ADHD and other psychometric tests. In some instances the specialist will administer a series of tests designed to detect ADHD and other conditions like anxiety disorders or learning disabilities.
If you're unsure of how to begin or have questions about finding the right health care professional, it's often helpful to ask your personal doctor or visit an area mental health clinic for suggestions. Many adult ADHD support groups are in a position to provide you with details about professionals who are qualified in your area. Certain health insurance plans offer an inventory of professionals who are qualified that are sorted by specialization to help you locate the right expert for your assessment.