Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
It is often difficult to obtain an adhd diagnosis when you are older. NHS services are not funded and there are long wait times to be sent for an assessment.
A psychiatrist will confirm that symptoms are present since childhood (old school records could help), and will ask about co-morbidities like anxiety and depression. A private route could be a faster and more empathetic service.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis
If you're having trouble keeping up with your tasks at work or at home, are losing your keys often or are having difficulty staying in contact with family members, it could be worth talking to your GP about the possibility of ADHD. Although many people with ADHD don't have a diagnosis, it is the most common mental health problem in the UK. The good news is getting a diagnosis that is accurate and beginning treatment can help you get back on path.
If your physician believes you may have ADHD the doctor will send you to a suitable mental health clinic. Often, this is an a community or neurodevelopmental mental health service. There may be a lengthy wait for an assessment however, you can accelerate the process by implementing certain actions.
Prior to your ADHD assessment is completed, you will be asked to complete questionnaires that rate the frequency with which you experience certain symptoms and how distressing they are. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment might also request old school records or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The doctor will also want to be certain that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. This could include losing your job due to inadequate time management, or experiencing major conflict and stress in your relationship, or falling into financial problems due to impulsive purchases.
A medical examination will be carried out before your assessment to rule out any other medical conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms you've been experiencing, like seizures or thyroid issues. They will also want to make sure that you don't have other physical disabilities, such as a learning disability or hearing loss.
If adhd diagnoses decide to have a private assessment it is a good idea that you consult your doctor to determine whether they will sign a "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic you prefer. The clinic will provide documents to your GP to permit you to go back to your NHS provider to receive treatment. This will include medication and CBT.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for adults who have struggled all their lives with the symptoms of this condition. It can help explain the reasons why they've struggled and provide hope for the future. However, a diagnosis can cause a lot of emotions that can be difficult to handle.
Having a private ADHD assessment with a specialist psychiatrist is the best way to get an assessment and ensure that you can receive the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. They will employ a variety of methods to evaluate your symptoms, such as symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales, and more. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. They might also request information from friends or family members.
They will then use this evidence to make a diagnosing decision. They will look at how your ADHD symptoms affect your life and whether they are causing you significant impairment. They will also determine whether you have other mental health problems that can cause similar symptoms. If they find that you suffer from ADHD, they will prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether or not you should consider alternatives, like CBT or other non-pharmacological interventions.
The medication can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD. However it's not an answer to the problem. It can be challenging to manage the adverse effects of ADHD medication. It is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor.
In England last year, adults were prescribed more ADHD medications than children. This is an increase over previous years, and it's even more pronounced since the Covid-19 pandemic. This rise in prescribing has been mainly due to the availability of medications that were previously only available for children. The most frequently prescribed medications are methylphenidate hydrochloride and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
We recommend that you speak with your GP to learn more about what the NHS can offer you before you request an independent ADHD assessment. They will be more than happy to refer you for an ADHD assessment, however there may be long waiting lists. If this is the case, you can print a letter of support from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter explains that only an expert can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a major life-changing event for adults. Many find it gives an explanation for their struggles throughout their lives. It can help them understand why they differ. However, it can also be very challenging to deal with. People suffering from ADHD frequently have issues with their relationships, at work, and in their studies. They may be frustrated and not understood. It is helpful to seek out support from other people who suffer from ADHD It is important to remember that you're not the only one.
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 trained to diagnose adult ADHD. However, you could encounter difficulties when trying to diagnose. Sometimes doctors, psychologists and nurses are not aware of the condition, and they may be prone to react with anti-ADHD prejudice. You may need to try several times before finding a doctor with the right knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment, your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your symptoms are causing you to suffer from impairment. They will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and if you have any family history of ADHD. They will also want you to rule out any conditions like depression, thyroid issues or thyroid problems that may have similar symptoms to ADHD. They will likely utilize ratings scales and questionnaires to evaluate ADHD symptoms. However, they will not just rely on these to diagnose.
After the clinical evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss and determine the treatment plan. You will probably be offered medication, however your doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy is extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually provided in person, but it can also be provided via the internet or by phone.
CBT teaches you to modify your behavior and thinking processes to lessen the negative effects of your ADHD symptoms. It can also help you to cope with distressing feelings like shame or embarrassment. In addition, CBT can teach you skills to help manage your symptoms, like self-care and time management.
Support
Help is available for those who have undiagnosed ADHD. There are many options for treatment that include medication and talk therapies. 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 financial and practical help. This scheme is specifically designed for adults with ADHD in paid employment and can include things like job coaching and training. There are also charities which can assist you in getting back to work or locate the right job. The ADD UK website has a list of charities. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
If your GP isn't able to spare the time or knowledge to provide you with an ADHD assessment, you can ask for an appointment with a specialist doctor. This may require an extensive assessment, a physical examination and interviews with those who know you. The GP will need to have complete information from you about your symptoms, the length of time they have been present for and their impact on you. They must be confident that your problems are not caused by a different condition, such as a mood disorder.
Health professionals and doctors need to know the differences between ADHD symptoms for adults and children, and how they may change as time passes. It's a good idea to prepare for the assessment by recording examples of your symptoms and how they've affected you, particularly during your childhood. It is also possible to write down any problems that you face in your daily life. For instance, if are having trouble organizing your home or making friends with others, it may be useful to document these issues.
You can try to get an assessment from the NHS for ADHD but it's generally a lengthy process. NHS doctors, specialists and other healthcare professionals are often inadequately staffed and lack the knowledge of ADHD. Private psychiatrists are the best option. They are more likely to be experienced with ADHD in adults, and will examine you for any other mental health conditions, such as depression. They may also send letters of recommendation to your school or work if needed. Prices vary, but generally vary from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.