ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Talk with your GP If you suspect you or your children might have ADHD. They will consider your concerns seriously and refer you to the right service.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. Iampsychiatry will also rule out other disorders like anxiety or depression.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD struggles with concentration or keeping their mind on a task. They often lose things necessary for their work or everyday activities (for example, school supplies tools, keys and bags, papers, eyeglasses). They have difficulty following instructions, focusing on time and completing work. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their time during conversations or games. They can interrupt other people often, talk too much or make mistakes. They play with their hands or feet, or squirm when they are 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 have trouble regulating their emotions, and can easily become overwhelmed or angry. They have difficulty making and keeping friends. They struggle with organisation and planning, and are often late for appointments. They may also have poor eating habits like eating less often and consuming foods that are high in calories.
A mental health specialist uses different tests to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. Physical and psychological tests, psychological assessments and interviews with partners, family and teachers are all part of the test. They will ask questions regarding how their symptoms have affected their life and whether they've been present since childhood. They may ask to see their school records from the past or talk with their teachers, parents or others they knew when they were younger.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms are those that don't 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 effect on an individual's social, academic, and work life.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD are similar to the options for children. The most frequently prescribed medication is a stimulant drug. Examples of these medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) and dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two forms of psychological therapy.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy for adults. Many adults experience a long wait for an assessment, which can be stressful and anxious. They may feel that they aren't understood by the professionals who assess them, especially if the professionals appear to have anti-ADHD bias and do not understand that symptoms of ADHD can be present in adults. The right diagnosis will help you determine the best treatment for adult ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose ADHD, a health care professional or mental health specialist must gather information from multiple sources, including questionnaires or interviews with the person and feedback from people who are familiar with them. They will also check for other conditions that have similar symptoms. The health professional will also look at the medical history of the patient and their family history to determine if there is any physical or mental ailments.
In children, a doctor or specialist might use questionnaires that are completed by the child's teachers and caretakers and observations in the school. They may also conduct a cognitive assessment and screen for learning difficulties. In addition, they will rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances.
Adults may have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because the symptoms change as time passes. In general, hyperactivity and impulsiveness become less of an issue as you age, but inattention continues to be a challenge. Furthermore, those with ADHD often have difficulty working in a professional setting and maintaining healthy relationships. They may have trouble keeping their job and adhering to corporate rules. They may also struggle with debt and finances due to their impulsive spending.
Adults who suspect they may have ADHD should consult their doctor, who may refer them to a psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. The process could take a long time, because NHS services are not equipped to diagnose ADHD and a large number of people who require assistance. The GPs might not have the experience and expertise to correctly examine ADHD and, if they are unable to recognize the signs, it is essential to find a psychiatrist with a good understanding of adult ADHD. People who don't want to wait for NHS evaluations should look into private healthcare. It is usually quicker and easier.
Treatment
People seek an ADHD evaluation because their symptoms can cause problems at work and in relationships. These include frequent disciplinary measures in the workplace, difficulties at college or in school, and ongoing marital and relationship issues.
Medication and lifestyle changes can solve many of these issues. In certain cases psychotherapy can help. The use of stimulant drugs is a popular treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD however, people can also try non-stimulant medicines such as melatonin or atomoxetine to manage their symptoms. It is essential for patients to explore the various treatment options available to determine the best solution for them.
In the UK the majority of people with ADHD are treated by the NHS. However the system is under growing pressures as demand is over capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for ADHD assessment. According to a recent BBC investigation patients in England face waiting times of up two years to receive an assessment.
These long waits are a major cause for concern. The NHS is attempting to reduce services based on criteria such as severity of symptoms, impairment and risks. However, this method is problematic because it can lead to patients being disadvantaged or even excluded.
To avoid this problem people should contact their GP to schedule an appointment with a specialist clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD as well as other neurodiverse disorders. They should tell their GP what symptoms they are experiencing. It could be beneficial to prepare for the consultation by reading about adult ADHD.
When your GP recommends you to an expert ADHD clinic where you'll consult with a psychiatrist. He or she will evaluate your condition. They will take into account your personal and family history and the issues your symptoms create in your life. They will also consider the effects of your health issues on your work and well-being.
Your physician may suggest to start taking medication. They may also recommend other treatments, such as psychotherapy or lifestyle changes. For instance, they may suggest a change to your diet or routine exercise to improve your focus and energy levels. They may also suggest an expert career counselor to assist with time management, or a counsellor who can help you learn coping techniques for emotional distress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood. They might have suffered from their symptoms for a long time and compensated for them as they grew older by working harder or studying more to make up for difficulties paying attention to class or taking risks to avoid the negative consequences of acting out in a reckless manner. As adults, they might be faced with more responsibilities like managing a home and raising children, or trying to pursue a career. This could add more stress and demands to their lives. This could increase the severity of symptoms, leading to being overwhelmed and unhappy.
Due to the increasing demand for ADHD assessments and the limited 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 that will see patients allocated an appointment based on various factors such as how severe their symptoms are and how much their issues affect their quality of life. This is a controversial idea, as it may cause certain groups of patients be excluded, e.g. patients with comorbid conditions.
Rationing could be accomplished through the use of symptom and impairment scales, but there are concerns that patients may overstate their symptoms to satisfy the requirements. The best solution is to agree an agreed-upon standard that all patients must meet, as this would improve consistency and ensure all patients receive the same level of care.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD and you think you might have it, go to your GP. They're not able to diagnose you in a formal manner however, they can refer you for an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist. You can request a quicker referral if you have long wait lists. This is possible through your "right to select", which allows you to select the NHS agency that will take care of you.
Private mental health practitioners provide ADHD evaluations. The process is similar to the NHS, and involves a single consultation with psychiatrist. They will note your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, gathering information from symptom checklists and behavioural rating scales. They will then present you with a diagnosis of ADHD and provide the best options for treatment.