ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
If you have a suspicion that your child might have ADHD You should talk to your GP. They will take your concerns very serious and refer you to a professional who can assist.
An NHS assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse. They will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment. They will also try and rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD struggles with concentration or keeping their mind on tasks. They frequently lose items that are essential for their work or daily activities (for example, school supplies tools keys, wallets, papers, eyeglasses). They have trouble following instructions, focusing on time and finishing work. They also have a difficult time waiting for their turn in games or in conversations. They may interrupt others often, talk too much or make mistakes. They often fidget, tap their feet or hands or squirm their seat. 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 have difficulty regulating their emotions, and are easily angry or excited. They have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They struggle with organisation and planning, and are often late for appointments. They may also have poor eating habits such as eating less often and consuming foods that are high in calories.
A mental health professional uses different tests to determine if a person suffers from ADHD. Psychological assessments, physical examinations as well as interviews with parents, family members, friends and teachers will be taken into consideration. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they affect them. They may ask to see their old school records or speak with their parents, teachers or any others they knew when they were younger.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms are not affecting social or work relationships. Moderate symptoms can interfere with social and work relationships, but they do not have a long-lasting negative effect on a person's life. The severity of symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's social, academic, and work life.
Adults with ADHD can receive the same treatment as children. Stimulant medication is the most commonly prescribed. Examples of these are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym), dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two types of psychological therapy.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is not always straightforward for adults. Many adults experience a long wait for an assessment which can be distressing and anxious. They may feel like they are not being understood by the professionals who assess them, especially if those professionals appear to have anti-ADHD biases and don't understand that symptoms of ADHD are common in adults. Finding the right diagnosis can help to identify the best treatment and support for adult ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD Health care professionals or mental health specialists will need to collect information through several sources. These include questionnaires, interviews, as well as feedback from people who know the person well. They will also examine other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms. Additionally the health care professional will review the patient's medical history and family history to determine whether any mental or physical diseases are present.
A specialist or doctor can use questionnaires filled out by the child's caregivers and teachers, as well as observations made in school. They can also conduct a cognitive evaluation and screen for learning difficulties. In addition, they'll determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs.
Adults may have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because the signs change over time. Generally, the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms diminish as you age, but inattention symptoms remain more of a challenge. Additionally, adults who have ADHD often encounter difficulties working in a professional setting and maintaining healthy relationships. They may have difficulty keeping a job, following corporate rules, and completing deadlines. They may also struggle with debt and finances due to excessive spending.
Adults who suspect they may have ADHD should talk to their doctor, who may refer them to a psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. The process can take a while, as NHS services are not as effective in their ability to diagnose ADHD and there are many people who need help. adhd diagnosis adult may not have the training and knowledge to properly assess ADHD and, if they are unable to recognize the symptoms, it is crucial to locate an expert psychiatrist who has a thorough understanding of adult ADHD. People who don't wish to wait for NHS evaluations should look into private healthcare. It's usually faster and less complicated.
Treatment
People seek an ADHD evaluation due to the fact that their symptoms cause problems at work and in relationships. These could include frequent disciplinary issues in the workplace, difficulties in college or at school, as well as persistent marital and relationship issues.
Medication and lifestyle changes can solve many of these problems. In some instances, psychotherapy can also help. Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated with stimulant medication however, non-stimulant medications like melatonin and atomoxetine can aid in reducing symptoms. It is important to try all treatment options in order to determine which one is most effective for you.
In the UK, most people with ADHD are treated by the NHS. However, the system is facing increasing pressures with demand far over capacity. This has led to lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessments. A recent BBC investigation revealed that ADHD patients in England are waiting up to two years for an assessment.
Long wait times are a serious source of worry. The NHS tries to ration services using criteria such as symptom severity impairment, risk and severity. However, this method is dangerous because it can lead to patients being disadvantaged or even being excluded.
To avoid this problem individuals should ask their GP for an appointment with an expert clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD and other neurodiverse illnesses. They should inform their GP what symptoms they are experiencing. It could also be helpful to prepare for the consultation by reading up on adult ADHD.
After your GP recommends you to an expert ADHD clinic where you'll visit psychiatrist. He or she will assess your condition. They will consider your family history and personal life, as well as any issues that your symptoms could be causing you. They will also consider the impact on your work, health and wellbeing.
Your doctor may suggest to start taking medication. They might also suggest other treatments such as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. They may suggest that you alter your diet or exercise routine to improve your energy and focus. They may also suggest an expert career counselor to assist with managing your time or a counselor who can teach you ways to deal with emotional distress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Many people who suffer from ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time, and compensated for them as they grew older by putting in extra effort or studying more to compensate for the difficulty in paying attention in class or taking risks to avoid the consequences of acting out. As adults, they could face more responsibilities like running a household, raising children, or working which adds additional pressures and stress their lives. This can cause an increase in the severity of symptoms, which can lead to people feeling overwhelmed and unhappy.
Due to the growing demand for ADHD assessments and the limited capacity, the NHS is currently experiencing long waiting times. In the near future it is likely that NHS will adopt an approach known as a "rationing" approach whereby people are allocated appointments based on various factors, including how severe their symptoms and the extent to which their problems affect their quality of living. This is a controversial idea, as it may cause some groups of patients to be excluded, e.g. those with comorbid illnesses.
Rationing could be achieved via the use of impairment and symptom scales, however there are concerns that patients could exaggerate their reports to satisfy the criteria. A more reasonable solution would be to agree on an acceptable standard that everyone have to meet. This would increase consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same level of care.
If you suspect you might have ADHD and you think you might have it, go to your GP. They can't formally diagnose you however, they can recommend you to be assessed with a specialist psychiatrist. If you're on long waiting lists, you can apply for a quicker referral via your 'right to choose' 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 include a one-off consultation with an experienced psychiatrist. They will listen to your concerns and conduct an extensive psychological assessment by gathering data using symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. The doctor will determine if you suffer from ADHD and will discuss possible treatment options.