ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
If you are concerned that your child or you may have ADHD You should talk to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to a professional who could help.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. They will also rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD is unable to concentrate or focusing their attention on a task. They often lose items that are necessary for their daily work or activities (such as school materials tools, wallets or eyeglasses, papers, etc.). They are unable to follow instructions, keeping track of time and completing work. They also struggle to wait for their turn in conversations or games. They can interrupt other people and talk too much, or make careless errors. They tend to fidget and 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 are unable to regulate their emotions and may become easily excited or angry. They have a difficult time making and keeping friendships. They tend to be late for appointments and have difficulty planning and organising. They may have poor eating habits, such as eating less often and consuming foods that are high in calories.
A mental health specialist will employ a variety of tests to determine whether an adult suffers from ADHD. These tests include psychological assessments as well as physical examinations and interviews with their partners, family members and teachers as well as work colleagues. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they affect them. They may ask for old school records or talk to their parents, teachers or other people who knew them in their early years.
getting a adhd diagnosis of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with social or work relationships. Moderate symptoms can affect those areas but do not cause a negative impact on the individual's life. The severity of symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's social academic and professional life.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD are similar to that for children. The stimulant medication is the one most commonly prescribed. Examples of these drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym), dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Psychological therapy includes mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.
Diagnosis
Adults often struggle to diagnose ADHD. Many adults have a long wait for an assessment, which can be a stressful and anxious. They may feel like they are not understood by the professionals who assess them, particularly if those professionals appear to have anti-ADHD biases and don't recognize that the symptoms of ADHD can be seen in adults. The correct diagnosis will allow you determine the best treatment for adults with ADHD.
To determine the cause of ADHD to diagnose ADHD, a health care professional or mental health specialist will have to gather information from multiple sources, including questionnaires, interviews with the person, and feedback from others who know them well. They will also check for other disorders that have similar symptoms. The health care professional will also review the medical background of the patient as well as their family history to determine if there is any physical or mental illnesses.
In children, a doctor or specialist might use questionnaires that are completed by the child's teachers and caregivers and observations in school. They may also perform a cognitive assessment and screen for any learning issues. They also look for conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression, or addiction to drugs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge for adults, because the symptoms can change as time passes. Generally, the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms become less of a problem when you reach adulthood, whereas inattention symptoms remain more challenging. Adults with ADHD might also have difficulties working in a professional setting or maintaining healthy relationships. They may have difficulty keeping their job and adhering to corporate guidelines. They might also be struggling with finances and debt due to excessive spending.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should talk to their GP. They can refer them to a psychiatrist for them to be evaluated. The process could take some time, as NHS services are limited in their ability to diagnose ADHD and there are many people who require help. If GPs are unable to determine ADHD or do not recognize the symptoms and signs, it is crucial to consult an experienced psychiatrist who has dealt with adult ADHD. Patients who do not want to wait on NHS assessments should consider private healthcare. It's usually quicker and less complicated.
Treatment
The main reason people need an ADHD assessment is because their symptoms cause problems in relationships and work. These might include frequent disciplinary issues in the workplace, issues at college or school, and ongoing marital and relationship problems.
Lifestyle changes and medication can solve many of these problems. Psychotherapy can be helpful in certain cases. Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated with stimulant drugs but non-stimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and melatonin can assist in controlling symptoms. It is crucial for those with ADHD to research all treatment options to find what works best for them.
In the UK the majority of those diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment via the NHS. However the system is under ever-growing pressures, with demand outstripping capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for ADHD evaluations. According to an earlier BBC investigation patients in England face waiting times of up two years for an assessment.
These long waiting periods are a source of anxiety. The NHS attempts to limit services using criteria like severity of symptom, impairment and risk. This approach can be problematic and can cause patients to be disregarded or disadvantaged.
To avoid this problem to avoid this issue, patients should ask their GP for an appointment with an expert clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions. They should tell their GP the symptoms they are experiencing. It could also be helpful to prepare for the consultation by reading about adult ADHD.
After your GP has recommended you to an ADHD specialist clinic and you have a consultation with psychiatrists who will analyze your health condition. They will look at your family history and personal life as well as any issues that your symptoms may be causing. They will also take into account the impact of your health issues on your working and overall wellbeing.
Your psychiatrist may recommend that you start taking medication. They may also suggest other treatments, like psychotherapy or lifestyle changes. They may recommend that you alter your diet or exercise regularly to boost your energy levels and focus. They might also suggest an expert career counselor to assist with managing your time or a counselor who can help you learn strategies for dealing with emotional stress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD do not have a diagnosis until adulthood. They may have fought their symptoms for a long time, compensating for them as they got older - working harder or studying more to compensate for trouble paying attention in class or taking risks to avoid the consequences of impulsive behavior. As adults, they might be faced with more responsibilities like managing a household and raising children, or trying to pursue a career. This can add more stress and demands on their lives. This can cause an increase in the severity of symptoms, leading to them feeling overwhelmed and unhappy.
The NHS is currently struggling with long wait times for ADHD tests, which is due to the increased demand and the limited capacity. In the near future, it's likely that the NHS will adopt a 'rationing' approach, whereby people will be assigned an appointment based on a number of factors such as how severe their symptoms are and how much their issues affect their lives. This is a controversial idea because it could cause some groups of patients to be marginalized, e.g. Those with comorbid diseases.
Rationing could be achieved via the use of symptom and impairment scales, but there are concerns that patients could exaggerate their reporting to satisfy the standards. An alternative that is more sensible is to establish a standard that all have to meet. This will improve the consistency of care and ensure that all patients receive the same level of service.
If you think you may have ADHD, you should go to your GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose you but they may send you for an assessment by an expert psychiatrist. If you're on long waiting lists, you can ask for a quicker referral using your 'right to choose' option, which lets you choose the NHS organization that will provide the care you need when you're referred.
Private mental health professionals also provide ADHD assessments. The process is similar to that of the NHS and will include one-on-one consultation with a seasoned psychiatrist. They will take note of your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological examination and gather information from symptom checklists and behavioural rating scales. The doctor will determine if you suffer from ADHD and will discuss treatment options.