ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Talk to your GP If you think you or your children might be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to a service that can assist.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will determine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. They will also rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD may have difficulty concentrating on a task or maintaining their focus. They often lose things that are essential to their daily work or activities (such as school supplies, tools and wallets, papers and eyeglasses). They have a difficult time trying to follow directions and keep the time, and are unable to finish their work. They also struggle to wait for their turn in conversations or games. They can interrupt other people often, talk too much or make mistakes. They tend to fidget or tap their feet, hands or squirm in 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 have trouble regulating their emotions, and they may become easily excited or angry. They are unable to make and keeping friends. They have difficulties with organisation and planning, and frequently miss appointments. They may have poor eating habits like not eating meals or choosing high-calorie foods.
A mental health professional uses different tests to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This includes psychological tests, a physical examination, and interviews with their friends, family members or teachers. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they have affected them. They can request past school records or speak to their parents, teachers or other relatives who knew them when they were children.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms are not affecting work or social relationships. Moderate symptoms can disrupt social and work relationships but they don't have a long-lasting negative effect on an individual's life. The most severe symptoms can have a profound negative impact on a person's social, work and academic life and may be disruptive to their lives.
Adults with ADHD are eligible for the same treatment as children. The most commonly prescribed medication is stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate dexamphetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two kinds of psychological therapy.
Diagnosis
Adults often have difficulty diagnosing ADHD. Adults often wait for a long time to receive an assessment. This can be stressful and distressing. It is possible that they are not being understood by the professionals who assess them, particularly if those professionals appear to have anti-ADHD prejudice and do not understand that symptoms of ADHD are common in adults. The correct diagnosis will allow you determine the most effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, health care professionals or mental health specialists will require information through several sources. This includes questionnaires, interviews, and feedback from those who know the patient well. They will also look for other disorders that have similar symptoms. The health care professional will also review the medical history of the patient and their family history to determine if there are any physical or mental illnesses.
A specialist or doctor may use questionnaires completed by the child's parents and teachers, as well observations made at school. They can also conduct a cognitive test and look for learning difficulties. They will also rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such a depression, anxiety or substance abuse.
Adults may be challenged in diagnosing ADHD because the signs change with time. In general, hyperactivity and impulsiveness tend to diminish as adults, but inattentiveness remains a problem. Adults suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty working in a professional setting or maintaining healthy relationships. They may have difficulty keeping their job, adhering to corporate rules, and meeting deadlines. Impulsive spending can also cause financial problems and debt.
Adults who think they may have ADHD should consult their doctor. They can then refer them to a psychiatrist to be assessed. The process can take a long time, because NHS services have limited resources for diagnosing ADHD and a large number of people who require help. GPs may not have the training and knowledge to properly assess ADHD, so if they are unable to recognize the signs, it's essential to find an experienced psychiatrist with a deep understanding of adult ADHD. Patients who do not want to wait for NHS assessments should consider private healthcare. It's usually faster and less complicated.
Treatment
People need an ADHD evaluation because their symptoms can cause problems at work and in relationships. These could include frequent disciplinary actions at the workplace, difficulties at school or college and persistent marital and relationship issues.
Medication and lifestyle changes can resolve many of these problems. In some instances psychotherapy may also be helpful. The use of stimulant drugs is a popular treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD however, patients can also try non-stimulant medicines such as melatonin or atomoxetine to control their symptoms. It is important to try every treatment option to determine which one works best for you.
In the UK the majority of those diagnosed with ADHD receive their treatment through the NHS. However the system is under increasing pressures with demand far over capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for ADHD assessment. A recent BBC investigation found that patients in England have to wait up to two years for an assessment.
These long waiting times are a cause for anxiety. The NHS is trying to reduce services by using criteria such as symptom severity or impairment, as well as risk. This approach isn't always a good idea, as it can lead patients to be denied services or even disadvantaged.
To avoid this issue, people should ask their GP for an appointment with an expert clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD and other neurodiverse disorders. They should be able to explain their symptoms to the GP and it could be beneficial to know some information about adult ADHD before the appointment to help prepare for the consultation.
If your GP refers you to an expert ADHD clinic where you'll consult with a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will evaluate your condition. They will consider your family history and personal life as well as any issues that your symptoms might be causing you. They will also take into account the impact on your work well-being and health.
Your doctor may suggest that you start taking medication. They may also recommend alternative treatments like psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. For instance, they could suggest a change in your diet or routine exercise to boost your energy levels and focus. They might also suggest a career counselor to help with time management or a counselor who can help you learn ways to deal with emotional distress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not have an official diagnosis until they reach adulthood. They may have lived with their symptoms for a long time trying to cope with their age and had to work harder or study more to compensate for trouble paying attention in class, or taking risks to avoid the negative consequences of acting impulsively. As they grow older, they could have more responsibilities, such as managing a household and raising children, or pursuing their career. This could add more pressure and stress to their lives. This can increase the severity of symptoms, which can lead to people feeling overwhelmed and unhappy.
The NHS currently has a problem with long wait times for ADHD tests due to the increased demand and the limited capacity. In the future it is likely that the NHS will implement a rationing system that will see patients allocated an appointment based on a number of factors that include the severity of their symptoms and how much their issues impact their quality of life. adhd diagnosis in adults is a controversial concept because it could cause some groups of people to be disadvantaged. Those with comorbid diseases.
The use of impairment or symptom scales could be used to determine the level of treatment, however certain patients may exaggerate the severity of their symptoms to satisfy the standards. A better option is to set a common standard that everyone has to meet, as this will ensure consistency and that all patients receive an equal level of care.
If you suspect that you might have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to your GP. They are not able to diagnose you informally, but can refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment. You can request a faster referral if there are lengthy wait lists. This is possible through your "right to choose" which allows you to select the NHS organisation who will provide your care.
Private mental health professionals offer ADHD assessments. The process is similar with the NHS and involves one visit with psychiatrist. They will listen to your concerns and perform a thorough psychological evaluation by gathering data using symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will then give you the diagnosis of ADHD and will discuss the best treatment options.