ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child may have ADHD. They will take your concerns very serious and refer you to a specialist who can assist.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will determine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing severe impairment. They will also try and rule out other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD is unable to concentrate or keeping their mind on tasks. They often lose items that are essential to their daily activities or work (such as school materials, tools and wallets or eyeglasses, papers, etc.). They find it hard to follow instructions and keep track of time, and are unable to finish their work. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their time during games or conversations. They may interrupt others often, talk too much or make careless errors. They are frequently fidgety, tap their feet or hands, or squirm in their seats. 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 struggle to control their emotions and can become easily angry or overwhelmed. They have a difficult time making and maintaining friendships. They tend to be late for appointments and have difficulty organizing and planning. They may also have poor eating habits such as eating less often and consuming foods that are high in calories.
A mental health professional will use a variety of tests to determine if a person suffers from ADHD. This includes psychological tests as well as physical examinations and interviews with their partner, family members, teachers or work colleagues. They will ask questions regarding how their symptoms have affected their lives and if they've been present since childhood. They may ask to see their old school records or speak with their parents, teachers or any others they knew when they were younger.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. The mild symptoms are not a hindrance with social or work relationships. Moderate symptoms interfere with those areas but do not cause a negative impact on a 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 daily lives.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD are similar to those for children. The most frequently prescribed medication is a stimulant drug. The drugs are methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. Psychological therapy can be described as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is not always straightforward for adults. Many adults experience a long wait for an assessment which can be stressful and anxious. Some may think that the professionals who conduct their assessments do not understand them, especially if they appear to have anti ADHD predisposition and don't understand that ADHD symptoms can manifest in adults. The right diagnosis can help you determine the most effective treatment for adult ADHD.
To determine the cause of ADHD health professionals or mental health specialists will require information through several sources. This includes questionnaires, interviews, as well as feedback from those who know the person well. They will also look for other conditions that have similar symptoms. The health professional will also examine the medical history of the patient and their family history to determine if they suffer from any physical or mental ailments.
For children, a physician or specialist might utilize questionnaires completed by the child's caregivers and teachers and observations in school. They may also conduct a cognitive evaluation and look for learning difficulties. They will also rule out conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such a anxiety, depression or abuse of substances.
A diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults, as the symptoms tend to change as time passes. In general, the impulsive and hyperactive symptoms are less problematic when you reach adulthood, whereas inattention symptoms remain more difficult to manage. In addition, people with ADHD typically have a difficult time in the workplace and maintaining healthy relationships. They may have trouble keeping their job and adhering to the corporate rules. In addition, impulsive spending can lead to financial problems and debt.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should speak to their GP, who can refer them to a psychiatrist for an assessment. The process can take a while, as NHS services have limited resources to diagnose ADHD and a large number of people in need of assistance. If GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD or aren't able to recognize the signs, then it is important to seek out an experienced psychiatrist who has dealt with adult ADHD. Patients who do not wish to wait for NHS assessments should consider private healthcare. It's usually faster and less complicated.
Treatment
The primary reason people need an ADHD assessment is that the symptoms they experience are causing issues in work and relationships. This includes frequent disciplinary actions in the workplace, difficulties at college or in school as well as ongoing marital and relationships problems.
Lifestyle and medication changes can help with a lot of these issues. Psychotherapy can be helpful in certain situations. Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated with stimulant medications but non-stimulant medicines like melatonin and atomoxetine can aid in reducing symptoms. It is essential for patients to research the various treatment options available to determine what works best for them.
In the UK, the majority of people diagnosed with ADHD receive their treatment through the NHS. However the system is under increasing pressures with demand far exceeding capacity. This has led to long waiting times for ADHD assessments. According to a recent BBC investigation patients in England are waiting for up to two years for an assessment.
These long waiting times are a cause for worry. The NHS is attempting to reduce services based on criteria such as symptom intensity, impairment and risk. This approach can be problematic because it can cause patients to be disadvantaged or even being excluded.
To avoid this problem, people should ask their GP to schedule an appointment with an expert clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD and other neurodiverse disorders. They should be able to explain their symptoms to their GP and it could be beneficial to have some information about adult ADHD beforehand to help them prepare for the consultation.
When your GP recommends you to an expert ADHD clinic and you'll be able to consult with a psychiatrist. They will examine your condition. They will consider your personal and family history and any issues that your symptoms may be causing you. They will also look at the effects on your work, health and wellbeing.
Your physician may suggest that you begin taking medication. They could also suggest other treatments, like therapy or lifestyle changes. They might suggest that you alter your diet or exercise routine to boost your energy levels and focus. They may also suggest a career counselor who can assist with managing your time or a counselor who can help you learn ways to deal with emotional distress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD don't have an official diagnosis until they reach adulthood. They may have fought their symptoms for a long time trying to cope with them as they grew older by working harder or studying more to help with difficulties paying attention to class or taking risks to avoid the negative consequences of acting out in a reckless manner. As they grow older, they could have more responsibilities, such as managing a home, raising children or pursuing their career. This can add more pressure and stress to their lives. This might make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, causing them to become overwhelmed and unhappy.
The NHS is currently struggling with lengthy waiting times for ADHD tests due to the increased demand and the limited capacity. In the near future, it's likely that the NHS will implement a rationing system that will see patients allocated an appointment based on various factors, including the severity of their symptoms and how badly their problems affect their quality of life. This is a controversial idea that could lead to certain groups of patients be marginalized, e.g. patients with comorbid conditions.
Rationing could be achieved via the use of impairment and symptom scales, however there are concerns that patients could exaggerate their reports to meet the requirements. A more reasonable solution is to agree on a common standard that everyone must meet, as this will ensure consistency and that everyone receives the same quality of care.
If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD, you should go to your GP. They are not able to diagnose you informally but they may refer you to a psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. I Am Psychiatry can request a quicker referral if you have long wait lists. This is made possible by your "right to choose" which permits you to choose the NHS agency that will provide your care.
Private mental health providers offer ADHD assessments. The process is similar to the NHS, and involves only one consultation with a psychiatrist. They will listen to your concerns and perform a thorough psychological evaluation and gather information by using symptom checklists as well as behaviour rating scales. The doctor will determine if you suffer from ADHD and will discuss the treatment options.