ADHD Diagnosis
People with ADHD often have long wait times to get their diagnosis. This is partly because ADHD can be difficult to identify in adults.
Start by speaking to your GP If you think you may have ADHD. They will refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
Online Psychiatrist Assessments
The NHS is struggling with the demand for ADHD diagnostics and assessments. According to adhd diagnosis in adults of Psychiatrists report, 196,000 adults have been placed on waiting lists to be assessed for ADHD. Some services are facing waits of eight years. This is due to a combination of high demand, a lack of capacity, and delays in referrals.
The NHS in England and Wales has been told that it can utilize a digital test to speed up the diagnosis. The QbTest is used by psychiatrists and children's specialists to determine if a child has the three typical signs of ADHD that include hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. This can save both time and money as patients are diagnosed earlier than if referred to their general physician.
There are also private health firms who offer assessments for ADHD. This option is cheaper than waiting for an NHS assessment, but it depends on how willing your doctor is to recommend you to the right service. It can be difficult for GPs to refer patients to ADHD assessments as they often believe that the issues are caused by depression or anxiety instead of ADHD.
If you opt for an assessment with a private psychiatrist will have a face to conversation with a mental health professional who has had experience in diagnosing ADHD in adult patients. You will be asked about your past experiences, including any mental health issues that have occurred in your family. They will also ask about how your symptoms affect you in different situations, such as school or at work. They might also ask you to share your experiences with people who are close to you, like friends and family.
If your clinician suspects that you may have ADHD, they will advise you on what you should do next. This could include medication or therapy or a referral to your GP for shared management. They will also ask if it is possible to like to be considered for Access to Work, which is available to adults disabled people. This could help you pay for the additional support you require at work for example, an employer coach or additional training.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people pay attention, organise their time and act on impulse. ADHD can make it difficult for people to perform at work, school and in relationships. They may also suffer from other mental illnesses which are difficult to treat when they aren't given the right treatment.
Around 2.6 million adults in the UK are estimated to have ADHD. Many adults don't know they have it. This makes it difficult for them to receive support. If you or your child is having trouble focusing, is easily distracted or has trouble keeping track of things or forgets their duties frequently, you should speak to your GP and have an assessment.
There are two main types of ADHD: the inattentive type and the hyperactive/impulsive type. Both are characterised by a lack of attention to even the smallest of things and difficulties sitting or playing in a quiet manner. They struggle to keep up with their homework or work and make careless errors in the classroom or at work. The inattentive type is more common amongst males, while the hyperactive/impulsive type is more common in females.
People with ADHD may have trouble coping with emotions. They are prone to becoming overwhelmed. This can result in'meltdowns', when their feelings get so overwhelming that they can't handle it - these can involve crying, shouting and moving around often. These can happen throughout the day and can last into adulthood, although they are less frequent in older people.
Many people with ADHD have a combination of both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, which is called unspecified ADHD. They might have trouble keeping their attention at work or school however they don't exhibit the physical symptoms of hyperactivity. It could be that their behaviour has been misunderstood or that they have been ignored because other causes for their problems have been ruled out.
It is important to get a diagnosis from a qualified psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are specialists in treating mental illness and can detect ADHD symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health conditions that may be causing your child's or yours' ADHD symptoms.
Treatment
The process of getting a diagnosis can be a daunting experience for anyone. It is essential to know that there are a myriad of treatment options. There are a myriad of medications that can control symptoms. Psychotherapy is another option. Treatment is highly individual and depends on the type of ADHD symptoms that the person is experiencing. Adults are most commonly treated with methylphenidate. This stimulant drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. It helps improve focus and concentration. It can also reduce impulsiveness. There are other treatments that are not drugs like cognitive therapy for behavioural disorders. This helps people manage their symptoms. Yoga and meditation are complementary treatments.
Psychiatrists will examine the person's symptoms and their history to determine if they are suffering from ADHD. They will also take into account whether the patient has other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression or any other substance abuse issues. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms, how long they've been present, and whether they impact more than one aspect of a person's life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel elated to finally understand their difficulties. When they receive the diagnosis they might also feel emotionally. However, it is important to keep in mind that ADHD does not necessarily suggest that one has an issue with their mental health. People can still receive an diagnosis without having other medical conditions, like depression or anxiety.
In recent years the number of patients diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS increased. However, some patients waited up to two years before getting an assessment. A study by the Nuffield Trust think tank found that 24% of those who were suspected of having ADHD had been waiting for this long.
The NHS has now been granted permission to use a new digital test called QbTest to speed up the diagnosis. The test is designed to measure three of the most prominent symptoms of ADHD, including inattention and hyperactivity. It is designed to aid psychiatrists and children's doctors spot ADHD more quickly.
Support
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD If you suspect your child has ADHD, you can receive help and advice on how to manage the symptoms. This includes self-help tools, and therapy. The GP can also refer children to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) if the GP thinks that they need more help. Steps2Wellbeing is a program of the Dorset Partnership NHS Trust, offers free talk therapy and guided self-help to people suffering from depression and anxiety. You can self-refer online for this service.
You can also receive support from organisations that specialise in ADHD like ADDISS and the ADHD Foundation. These organisations can provide guidance and assistance for parents, adults and children with ADHD. They can also offer information and guidance on education, employment and legal rights. They also can offer workshops or activities for families and siblings of children who suffer from ADHD.
Some patients may need to wait a long period of time before getting an answer to their question. Currently, waiting times vary across the nation. The NHS is working to reduce the time it takes to wait. In 2021 the government announced PS8m in funding to improve the quality of services and reduce waiting lists. This money will be used to educate nurses and psychiatrists, and to enhance technology.
You must meet the strict requirements to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and they should be impacting your life in a moderate or extreme manner. The symptoms must be pervasive, impacting many aspects of your life, including relationships as well as work and education. A specialist doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD must also make the diagnosis.
In the UK, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. This is largely due to the fact that boys are more disruptive and more likely to suffer from comorbidities such as oppositional defiant disorders. Girls are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of ADHD and have lower rates of comorbidities such as conduct disorder.
The most effective treatment for ADHD involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication. Regular exercise can reduce symptoms. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol because they can cause more symptoms. Medication may also be helpful but it should only be prescribed by specialists.