ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your children may be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to a specialist who can help.
An NHS assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse. They will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment. They will also rule out other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD struggles with concentration or focusing their minds on a task. 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 have a difficult time trying to follow instructions and keep track of time, and they are unable to finish their work. They may also have trouble waiting their turn during games or during conversations. They may talk too much or make mistakes and disrupt others. They often fidget, 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. adult adhd diagnosis uk may have difficulty regulating their emotions and become easily angry or excited. They have difficulty making and keeping friends. They struggle with organisation and planning, and they frequently miss appointments. They may have poor eating habits, like not eating meals or consuming high-calorie food.
A mental health professional will use a range of tests to determine if an adult has ADHD. These will include psychological assessments as well as physical examinations and interviews with their partners, family members or teachers. They will ask about the symptoms and how they affect them. They may ask for past school records or speak to their parents, teachers or other people who knew them in their early years.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms don't hinder with work or social interactions. Moderate symptoms interfere with those areas, but they do not have a lasting negative impact on the individual's life. The severity of symptoms can have a negative impact on an individual's social, academic, and work life.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD are similar to those for children. The most commonly prescribed medication is a stimulant medication. These drugs include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and lisdexamfetamine. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two types of psychological therapy.
Diagnosis
Adults often struggle to diagnose ADHD. Many adults experience a long wait for an assessment which can be distressing and anxious. Some may believe that the experts who assesses them do not know what they are going through, particularly when they seem to have anti ADHD bias and do not comprehend that ADHD symptoms can present in adults. Getting the correct diagnosis can help identify the best treatment and support for adults suffering from ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, health care specialists or mental health professionals will need to collect information from a variety of 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 professional will also examine the medical background of the patient as well as their family history to determine if there are any mental or physical illnesses.
A doctor or specialist can use questionnaires filled out by the child's parents and teachers, as well observations made at school. They can also conduct a cognitive assessment and screen for learning difficulties. In addition, they will exclude other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs.
Adults may have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because the signs change as time passes. In general, hyperactivity and impulsiveness tend to diminish as you age, but inattention continues to be a challenge. Adults with ADHD might also have difficulties in the workplace or maintaining healthy relationships. They may have difficulty keeping their job, adhering to corporate guidelines, and meeting deadlines. In addition, impulsive spending can cause financial problems and debt.
Adults who suspect they may have ADHD should consult their doctor, who may refer them to a psychiatrist for an assessment. The process could take some time, as NHS services are limited in their ability to detect ADHD and there are a lot of people who require help. If GPs are unable to identify ADHD or are unable to recognize the symptoms that are present, it is essential to seek out an experienced psychiatrist who has dealt with adult ADHD. Those who don't want to wait for NHS evaluations should look into private healthcare. It's usually quicker and more convenient.
Treatment
People seek an ADHD assessment because their symptoms can cause problems at work and in relationships. These might include frequent disciplinary actions in the workplace, problems at college or school, and persistent marital and relationship issues.
Lifestyle changes and medication can solve many of these issues. In certain cases, psychotherapy can also help. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs but non-stimulant medicines like melatonin or atomoxetine can help control symptoms. It is crucial for those with ADHD to research all treatment options to find what is most effective for them.
In the UK, the majority of those diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment via the NHS. The system is increasingly under pressure due to the fact that the demand for ADHD treatment overflows its capacity. This has led to long waiting times for ADHD assessment. According to getting diagnosed with adhd in England have to wait for up two years for an assessment.
These long waiting periods are a source of anxiety. The NHS attempts to limit services based on criteria like severity of symptom impairment, risk and severity. This approach isn't always a good idea and can cause patients to be excluded or even disadvantaged.
To avoid this issue, people should consult their GP to schedule an appointment at a specialist clinic which diagnoses adult ADHD and other neurodiverse disorders. They should explain to their GP the symptoms they're experiencing. It may be beneficial to prepare for the appointment by reading up on adult ADHD.
When your GP refers you to a specialist ADHD clinic, you'll meet with a psychiatrist. They will evaluate your condition. They will take into consideration your personal and family history and the problems your symptoms are causing in your life. They will also consider the impact on your work health and well-being.
Your doctor may suggest that you begin taking medication. They could also suggest other treatments such as therapy or lifestyle changes. For instance, they could suggest a change in your diet or routine exercise to boost your focus and energy levels. Additionally, they could suggest a career coach to help you with time management or a counselor who can teach you coping strategies for your emotional stress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood. They might have suffered from their symptoms for a long time, compensating for them as they got older and had to work harder or study more to compensate for trouble paying attention to class, or taking risks to avoid the negative consequences of acting impulsively. As adults, they might have more responsibilities such as running a home and raising children, or pursuing their career. This could add more stress and demands to their lives. This can increase the severity of symptoms, leading to people feeling overwhelmed and unhappy.
The NHS is currently faced with long wait times for ADHD assessments because of an increase in demand and a lack of capacity. In the future it is likely that the NHS will adopt the "rationing" method whereby patients are allocated appointments based on a variety of factors including the severity of their symptoms and the extent to which their problems impact their lives. This is a controversial notion, as it may cause certain groups of patients be disadvantaged, e.g. patients with comorbid illnesses.
Rationing could be achieved via the use of symptom and impairment scales, but there are concerns that patients may exaggerate their reporting to meet the requirements. The best solution is to establish on a common standard that everyone must meet, which will improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same quality of care.
If you think you might have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to your GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose you but they may recommend you to be assessed with an expert psychiatrist. If you're on long waiting lists, you can request for a quicker referral via your 'right to choose', which allows you to select the NHS agency that will provide the care you need when you're referred.
Private mental health providers provide ADHD assessments. The process is similar to the NHS and involves a single consultation with psychiatrist. They will listen to your concerns and conduct an extensive psychological assessment, gathering information using symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. The doctor will identify ADHD and will discuss treatment options.