Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be a challenge. NHS services are not funded and there can be long wait times before being assessed.
A psychiatrist will confirm that the symptoms are present since childhood (old school records can help) and will inquire about co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Private treatment can be a faster, more understanding and professional service.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis
If you're struggling to keep up with the demands of your home or work, are losing your keys often or are having trouble keeping in touch with family members, it might be worth talking to your GP about the possibility of ADHD. ADHD is the most prevalent mental disorder in the UK and many adults don't know they have it. The good news is that getting an accurate diagnosis and undergoing treatment can help you get back on track.
If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD they will refer you to a mental health care provider. Often, this is a neurodevelopmental or community mental health service. There may be a lengthy wait for an assessment however, you can accelerate the process by doing certain things.
You may be required to complete an assessment questionnaire prior to your ADHD assessment. The questionnaire will ask how often you experience certain symptoms and how stressful they are. The psychiatrist conducting the assessment may also ask for old school records or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The psychiatrist will also want to be sure that your condition causes significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. This could include losing your job due to inadequate time management, causing major conflict and distress in your relationship, or slipping into financial trouble due to excessive spending.
A medical examination will be performed prior to your assessment to determine if there are any other medical conditions that might be causing the symptoms you have been experiencing, for instance seizures or thyroid issues. They will also check to find out if you have other physical disabilities such as a hearing loss or learning disability.
If you are considering having a private assessment it is an excellent idea to check with your GP if they will accept a "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic you choose. This means that the clinic will send your GP with the necessary paperwork to allow you to return to your NHS provider to receive treatment, which will include CBT and medication therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing experience for those who have struggled with the disorder throughout their lives. It can help explain the reasons why they've struggled and offer hope for the future. However, a diagnosis could cause a lot of emotions that can be difficult to deal with.
A private ADHD assessment with a specialist psychiatrist is the best way to receive a diagnosis, and ensure that you can get the right treatment to help with your symptoms. They will use a variety of methods to determine your symptoms, including checklists of symptoms and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also ask you to explain how your symptoms affect your daily activities, and may request information from your family or friends.
The doctor will then apply the evidence to come up with the diagnosis. They will consider the way your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life and determine if they are causing significant impairment. They will also check if you have any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms. If they determine that you have ADHD, they will prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether or not you should consider alternative options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological treatments.
The medication can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. However it's not a cure. Managing the side effects of ADHD medication can be difficult and it's crucial to follow the advice of your doctor.
In England last year there were more adults prescribed medication for ADHD than children. This is a significant increase in comparison to previous years and has become even more pronounced after the Covid-19 pandemic. This rise in prescriptions is due to the availability of medications previously only available to children. The most commonly prescribed drugs are methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine.
If you're interested in an individual ADHD assessment, we suggest that you consult your GP first to determine what the NHS can offer you. You may be able to obtain an ADHD assessment that is recommended by your GP, but there could be a lengthy waiting list. You can print out a letter of support from ADHD UK and take it to your appointment in case this is the case. The letter explains that only an expert can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing event for adults. Many people feel it provides an explanation for their problems throughout their lives. It can help them to understand how they differ. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People who suffer from ADHD often face difficulties in their relationships, at work, and in their studies. They can feel misunderstood and frustrated with themselves. It's beneficial to speak to other people who suffer from ADHD and to remember that you're certainly not alone.
The best way to be diagnosed with ADHD is to see an expert psychiatrist or psychologist. In the UK they are the only healthcare professionals who are trained to diagnose adult ADHD. You may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Nurses, doctors and psychologists may be ignorant of the condition and might react with an anti-ADHD prejudice. It is possible to have to go through several times before finding a specialist with the appropriate expertise and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment your psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms are causing you to suffer from impairment. adhd diagnosis in adults will ask you about your symptoms, their impact on your life, and whether you have a family history of ADHD in your family. They will also want to rule out other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and thyroid issues, which could have similar symptoms to ADHD. They may employ rating scales and questionnaires to evaluate your ADHD symptoms however they won't rely on these alone to establish the diagnosis.
Following the clinical evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss and determine the treatment plan. They will likely offer you medication, but they may also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy is extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is typically delivered face-to-face however it can also be provided over the phone or online.
CBT helps you modify your thinking and behavior to reduce the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can teach you how to cope with distressing emotions such as shame or embarrassment. In addition, CBT can teach you strategies to manage your symptoms, including self-care and time management.
Support
Help is available if you are not sure if you have ADHD. There are a variety of talk therapy options available, along with medication and other treatments. There are services that can assist you at work, at school, or at home. If you are unable work due to your ADHD The Access to Work scheme can provide practical and financial assistance. The scheme will provide things like job coaching and training and is targeted towards adults with ADHD who are in paid work. There are many charities that can assist you in finding a job or get back to work. The ADD UK website has a list of organizations. You can also receive assistance with the cost of medications through the Pharmacy Direct service.
You could request your GP to refer you to an expert if they don't have the time or expertise to assess ADHD. This will probably involve an in-depth examination, physical exam and interviews with those who know you. The GP will require complete information from you about your symptoms, how long they have been present for and their impact on you. They should ensure that your symptoms are not caused by another illness such as mental illness.
GPs and healthcare professionals need to know the differences between ADHD symptoms for adults and children, and how they can change in time. It's a good idea to prepare for the test by recording examples of your symptoms and how they have affected you, specifically during your childhood. You may also provide written information about any problems you have in your personal life. For instance, if are having trouble organizing your home or getting along with your friends, it may be useful to record these issues.
You can try to obtain an assessment from the NHS for ADHD however, it is often a long process. NHS Specialists and GPs do not have a thorough understanding of the condition and they are often under resourced. Private psychiatrists are the best option. They will likely be more acquainted with ADHD in adults and can screen you for mental health problems such as depression. If needed, they can also send letters of recommendation to your workplace or school. Prices vary between countries, but in London they generally vary between PS500 and PS1,200.