ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
If you are concerned that your child might have ADHD and you suspect that they may be suffering from it, talk to your GP. They will take your concerns very serious and refer you to a professional who can help.
An NHS assessment will be performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse. They will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing severe impairment. They will also try to rule out other disorders like anxiety or depression.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD is unable to concentrate or focusing their attention on a task. They often lose things that are necessary for their work or everyday activities (for example, school materials tools, keys, bags, papers, eyeglasses). They find it hard to follow instructions and keep track of time, and they have trouble finishing work. They may also have trouble waiting their turn during games or conversations. They may talk too much or make mistakes and disrupt others. They tend to fidget and tap their feet or hands or squirm 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 have difficulty regulating their emotions, and are easily upset or angry. They are unable to form and keeping friendships. They are unable to organize and planning, and are often late for appointments. They may have poor eating habits, like not eating meals or choosing high-calorie foods.
A mental health specialist will conduct a variety of tests to see whether an adult suffers from ADHD. Physical and psychological tests, psychological assessments, and interviews with family members, friends, teachers, or colleagues will be taken into consideration. They will ask questions regarding how their symptoms have affected their life and whether they have been present since childhood. They may request their old school records or talk with their parents, teachers, or other people they knew when they were younger.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms are those that don't interfere with work or social relationships. Moderate symptoms can affect those areas but do not have a lasting negative impact on the individual's life. Severe symptoms can have a negative effect on a person's social, academic and work life.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD are similar to those for children. The stimulant medication is the one most commonly prescribed. The drugs are methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. Psychological therapy can be described as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is not usually straightforward for adults. Adults are often waiting a long time for an assessment. This can be stressful and depressing. It is possible that they aren't understood by the professionals who evaluate them, especially if the professionals are displaying anti-ADHD bias and do not recognize that the symptoms of ADHD can be seen in adults. The right diagnosis can help determine the best treatment and support for adults with ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD A health care professional or mental health specialist will need to gather information from several sources, including questionnaires and interviews with the patient and feedback from people who are familiar with them. 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 illnesses.
A specialist or doctor may use questionnaires completed by the child's parents and teachers, as well observations made in the school. They may also conduct a cognitive assessment and screen for learning difficulties. In addition, they will rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD including anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs.
Adults may be challenged in diagnosing ADHD because the symptoms change with time. Generally, the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive behavior become less of a problem in adulthood, while inattentive symptoms continue to be more difficult to manage. Adults with ADHD might also have issues working in a professional setting or maintaining healthy relationships. They may struggle to keep an employment position, adhering to corporate rules, and meeting deadlines. Impulsive spending can also lead to financial problems and debt.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should consult their GP. They can then refer them to a psychiatrist to be evaluated. The process can take a while, as NHS services are not equipped for diagnosing ADHD and a large number of people who need help. If doctors are unable to identify ADHD or are unable to recognize the symptoms, then it is important to see a psychiatrist with experience with adult ADHD. Those who do not wish to wait for NHS assessments may want to consider private health care, which is typically quicker and simpler.
Treatment
People are seeking an ADHD evaluation because their symptoms cause problems at work and in relationships. These include frequent disciplinary measures in the workplace, difficulties at college or in school and ongoing marital or relationships problems.
adhd diagnosed and lifestyle changes can help with a lot of these issues. Psychotherapy can be beneficial in certain cases. The use of stimulant drugs is a popular treatment option for adults with ADHD however, patients may also consider non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or melatonin to help control their symptoms. It is important to try every treatment option to find the one that is most effective for you.
In the UK, most people with ADHD are treated by the NHS. However the system is currently facing increasing pressures with demand far exceeding capacity. This has led to long waiting times for ADHD evaluations. A recent BBC investigation revealed that ADHD patients in England are facing waits of up to two years for an assessment.
Long wait times are a major cause for concern. The NHS tries to ration services using criteria like severity of symptoms impairment, risk and severity. This approach can be problematic in that it could cause patients to be denied services or disadvantaged.
To avoid this issue, people should contact their GP for an appointment with an expert clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions. They should tell their GP what symptoms they are experiencing. It could be helpful to prepare for the appointment by reading about adult ADHD.
After the GP has directed you to an ADHD specialist clinic, you will meet with a psychiatrist who will evaluate your health condition. They will take into consideration your personal and family history as well as the problems that your symptoms are causing in your life. They will also take into account the effects on your work, health and wellbeing.
Your psychiatrist may suggest that you begin taking medication. They may recommend other treatments, like psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments. They might suggest changing your diet or exercise regularly to boost your energy levels and focus. They may also suggest a career counselor who can assist with managing your time, or a counsellor who can teach you ways to deal with emotional distress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. Many with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time and have compensated for them as they aged by putting in more effort or studying more to compensate for their inability to concentrate in classes or taking risks to prevent the consequences of acting out. As adults, they may have more responsibilities such as running a home and raising children, or working towards a career. This could add more stress and demands to their lives. This can increase the severity of their symptoms, causing them to feel overwhelmed and unhappy.
Due to the growing demand for ADHD assessments and the limited capacity in the NHS, the NHS is experiencing long wait times. In the near future, it is likely that the NHS will implement a rationing system that will see patients given an appointment based upon several factors such as the severity of their symptoms and how much their issues affect their lives. This is a controversial concept that could lead to certain groups of patients be marginalized, e.g. patients with comorbid illnesses.
The use of impairment or symptom scales can be used to ration care, but certain patients may exaggerate the severity of their ailments in order to satisfy the standards. A more reasonable solution is to agree an agreed-upon standard that all patients has to meet, as this would improve consistency and ensure everyone receives the same level of service.
If you think you might have ADHD you should to consult your GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose you however, they can recommend you to be assessed with a specialist psychiatrist. If there are long waiting lists, you can ask for a quicker referral via your right to choose option, which lets you choose the NHS organisation that provides the care you need when you're referred.
Private mental health professionals also offer ADHD assessments. The process is similar to the NHS, and involves a single consultation with a psychiatrist. They will note your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological assessment by analyzing symptoms checklists and behavioural rating scales. They will then give you an assessment of ADHD and discuss the best options for treatment.