ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your children might be suffering from ADHD. They will investigate your concerns and recommend the appropriate service.
An NHS assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse. They will assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. They will also rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD struggles with concentration or focusing their minds on tasks. They often lose things that are essential to their daily tasks or activities (such as school supplies tools, wallets, papers and eyeglasses). They have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of time and completing work. adhd adults diagnosis have trouble waiting for their turn in games or in conversations. They might be too busy or make mistakes and interrupt others. They are prone to fidget, tap their hands or feet, or squirm when sitting. 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 upset or angry. They are unable to form and keeping friendships. They have difficulties with organisation and planning, and frequently miss appointments. They might have poor eating habits like skipping meals and choosing high-calorie foods.
A mental health specialist will employ a variety of tests to see if an adult has ADHD. Physical and psychological tests, psychological assessments as well as interviews with parents, family members, friends teachers, colleagues, or parents will be included. They will ask questions about how their conditions have affected their life and whether they have been present since childhood. They may ask for old school records or talk to their parents, teachers or any other individuals who knew them when they were young.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms are those that do not interfere with the work environment or social interactions. Moderate symptoms affect these areas, but they do not cause a negative impact on the person's life. Extreme symptoms can have a major negative impact on someone's academic, social and work life, and can be extremely disruptive to their lives.
Adults with ADHD are able to receive the same treatment as children. The stimulant medication is the one most commonly prescribed. Examples of these include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) and dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Psychological therapy is a combination of mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is not always straightforward for adults. Adults are often waiting a long time for an assessment. This can be stressful and depressing. They may think that the professionals who conduct their assessments do not know what they are going through, particularly if they appear to have an anti ADHD prejudice and don't understand that ADHD symptoms can be present in adults. Getting the correct diagnosis can help determine the best treatment options and support for adults suffering from ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional or mental health specialist will have to collect information from a variety of sources, including questionnaires, interviews with the person and feedback from people who know them well. They will also examine other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms. In addition the health care professional will examine the patient's medical history and family history to determine whether any mental or physical illnesses are present.
A specialist or doctor may use questionnaires completed by the child's caregivers and teachers, in addition to observations made at school. They can also conduct a cognitive assessment and screen for learning issues. Additionally, they can determine if there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs.
A diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults, since the symptoms can change over time. Generally speaking, the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms diminish as you age, but inattention symptoms continue to be more challenging. Adults suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty in the workplace or maintaining healthy relationships. They may have trouble keeping their job, adhering to corporate rules, and completing deadlines. They might also have issues with finances and debt due to impulsive spending.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should talk to their doctor. They can then refer them to a psychiatrist for them to be evaluated. The process could take some time, since NHS services have limited resources to diagnose ADHD and a significant number of people who need help. If doctors are unable to diagnose ADHD or aren't able to recognize the symptoms that are present, it is essential to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. People who don't want to wait for NHS assessments may want to consider private health care, which is typically faster and more straightforward.
Treatment
The main reason people are seeking an ADHD assessment is that their symptoms are causing problems in work and relationships. This can be due to frequent disciplinary measures in the workplace, problems at school or college, and ongoing marital and relationships issues.
Lifestyle changes and medication can help with a lot of these issues. In certain cases psychotherapy can help. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication, but non-stimulant drugs like melatonin or atomoxetine can aid in reducing symptoms. It is essential to test all treatment options in order to determine which one is the most effective for you.
In the UK the majority of people with ADHD are treated by the NHS. However, the system is facing increasing pressures with demand far exceeding capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for ADHD evaluations. A recent BBC investigation revealed that ADHD patients in England are facing waits of up to two years for an assessment.
The long wait times are a major cause for worry. The NHS tries to ration services based on criteria like severity of symptom, impairment and risk. This approach can be problematic in that it could cause patients to be disregarded or even disadvantaged.
To avoid this issue, people should consult their GP for an appointment at a specialist clinic that diagnoses 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.
When your GP recommends you to a specialist ADHD clinic where you'll consult with psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will assess your condition. They will take into consideration your personal and family history, as well as any issues that your symptoms may be causing. They will also take into account the impact of your symptoms on your health, work, and overall well-being.
Your psychiatrist may recommend to start taking medication. They might recommend other treatments, like psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments. They may suggest that you alter your diet or exercise routine to increase your energy and focus. In addition, they might recommend a career coach to help you with time management or a counselor who will provide strategies to cope with your emotional stress and interpersonal challenges.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD do not have an official diagnosis until they reach adulthood. Many with ADHD have lived with symptoms for years and compensated for them as they grew older by putting in more effort or studying more to compensate for difficulty paying attention in class or taking risks to prevent the consequences of acting out. As adults, they may have more responsibilities like running a household, raising children or pursuing a career which can add more demands and stress to their lives. This might increase the severity of their symptoms, causing them to become stressed and unhappy.
Due to the increasing demand for ADHD tests and the limitations of capacity in the NHS, the NHS is currently experiencing long waiting times. In the future it is likely that the NHS will adopt a rationing approach which means that patients will be given an appointment based upon a number of factors, including how severe their symptoms are and how much their issues impact their quality of life. This is a controversial idea that could lead to some groups of patients to be marginalized, e.g. patients with comorbid conditions.
The use of symptom or impairment scales could be used to ration treatment, however certain patients may exaggerate the severity of their symptoms in order to meet the standards. A more reasonable solution is to come up with a standard that all have to be able to meet. This would improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same quality of service.
If you suspect that you have ADHD, it is best to speak with your GP. They can't formally diagnose you but they may refer you for an assessment with an expert psychiatrist. If there are lengthy waiting lists, you can request for a faster referral through your right to choose which lets you choose the NHS agency that will provide your care when you're referred.
Private mental health providers can also provide ADHD evaluations. The procedure is similar to that of the NHS and will involve a one-off consultation with a qualified psychiatrist. They will listen to your concerns and conduct an exhaustive psychological evaluation by gathering data using symptom checklists and behavior rating scales. They will then give you an assessment of ADHD and will discuss the best treatment options.