ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
If you have a suspicion that your child or you might be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may be suffering from it, talk to your GP. They will consider your concerns seriously and direct you to the appropriate service.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment. They will also try to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD might have trouble focusing on a single task or keeping their focus. They frequently lose items that are essential for their everyday activities (for instance, school supplies, tools, keys, wallets, papers, eyeglasses). They find it hard to follow directions and keep track of time, and are unable to finish their work. They also struggle to wait for their turn in games or conversations. They might interrupt others often, talk too much or make a few erroneous mistakes. They play with their feet or hands, or squirm while sitting. 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 become easily angry or excited. adhd in adults undiagnosed have trouble making and keeping friends. They struggle with organisation and planning, and are often late for appointments. They might have poor eating habits such as not eating meals or choosing high-calorie food.
A mental health specialist will employ a variety of tests to determine if an adult has ADHD. Physical examinations, psychological assessments as well as interviews with parents, partners, family, teachers, or colleagues will be taken into consideration. They will ask questions regarding how their symptoms have affected their life and if they've been present since childhood. They may ask to see their old school records or talk with their teachers, parents, or other people they knew when they were younger.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms are those that don't interfere with social or work relationships. Moderate symptoms can affect social and work relationships but they don't have a long-lasting negative impact on the life of an individual. Severe symptoms have a significant negative impact on an individual's academic, social and work life, and can be extremely disruptive to their daily lives.
Adults suffering from ADHD can receive the same treatment as children. The most frequently prescribed medication is stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate dexamphetamine, and lisdexamfetamine. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two types of psychological therapy.
Diagnosis
Adults often have difficulty diagnosing ADHD. Many adults endure a lengthy wait for an assessment, which can be stressful and anxious. They may feel that the professionals who assesses them do not understand them, especially those who appear to have anti ADHD prejudice and are unable to comprehend that ADHD symptoms can manifest in adults. Finding the right diagnosis can help to identify the best treatment and support for adults suffering from ADHD.
To determine the cause of ADHD, health care professionals or mental health specialists will require data from several sources. This includes questionnaires, interviews, and feedback from those who know the patient well. They will also look for other conditions that have similar symptoms. Additionally the health care professional will review the patient's medical history and family history to see whether any mental or physical diseases are present.
A doctor or specialist can use questionnaires completed by the child's caregivers and teachers, as well as observations made in the school. They can also conduct a cognitive evaluation and look for learning disabilities. They can also rule out conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult for adults, because the symptoms can change with time. Generally, the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive behavior diminish when you reach adulthood, whereas inattention symptoms remain more difficult to manage. Adults with ADHD might also have issues in the workplace or maintaining healthy relationships. They may have difficulty keeping a job, following corporate rules, and completing deadlines. They might also be struggling with debt and finances due to their impulsive spending.
Adults who think they may have ADHD should talk to their doctor. They can then refer them to a psychiatrist to be evaluated. The process can take a long time, because NHS services are not equipped to diagnose ADHD and a large number of people who require help. GPs may not have the education and knowledge to properly assess ADHD and, if they do not recognise the symptoms, it is essential to find an experienced psychiatrist with a deep understanding of adult ADHD. Those who don't want to wait for NHS tests should consider private healthcare. It's usually faster and more convenient.
Treatment
The primary reason people are seeking an ADHD assessment is because the symptoms they experience are causing issues at work and in relationships. These might include frequent disciplinary actions at the workplace, difficulties in college or at school, as well as persistent marital and relationship issues.
Many of these issues can be addressed with medication and lifestyle changes. In certain cases, psychotherapy can also help. Stimulant medication is a typical treatment option for people suffering from ADHD, but people can also try non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine or melatonin to control their symptoms. It is important for people to explore all treatment options 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 currently facing increasing pressures with demand far exceeding capacity. This has led to lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessment. A recent BBC investigation revealed that ADHD patients in England are waiting up to two years for an assessment.
The long wait time frames are a cause of anxiety. The NHS attempts to ration services based on criteria such as severity of symptoms, impairment and risk. However, this approach is not ideal as it could result in patients being discriminated against or even being excluded.
To avoid this issue, people should ask their GP for an appointment at a specialist clinic that diagnoses adult ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions. They should explain their symptoms to their GP, and it might be helpful to have some knowledge of adult ADHD prior to the appointment to help prepare for the consultation.
After your GP sends you to an expert ADHD clinic, you'll meet with psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will examine your condition. They will look at your family history and personal life and any issues that your symptoms might be causing you. They will also take into account the effects on your work, health and wellbeing.
Your psychiatrist may recommend that you start taking medication. They could recommend other treatments, such as therapy or lifestyle changes. They may recommend that you alter your diet or workout routine to increase your energy and focus. Additionally, they could suggest a career coach help you manage your time or a counselor to teach you coping strategies for your emotional distress and interpersonal issues.
Support
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't have a diagnosis until adulthood. Many people who suffer from ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time and have compensated for their symptoms as they grew older by working harder or studying more to compensate for the difficulty in paying attention in classes or taking risks to avoid the negative consequences of acting in impulsive ways. As adults they might have more responsibilities like managing a household, bringing up children or pursuing a career which adds more demands and stress to their lives. This could increase the intensity of symptoms, leading to people feeling overwhelmed and unhappy.
The NHS is currently faced with long waiting times for ADHD tests, which is due to the increased demand and the limited capacity. In the near future it is possible that NHS will adopt the "rationing" method whereby patients are assigned appointments based on a variety of factors including the severity of their symptoms and how much their difficulties affect their quality of living. This is a controversial concept, as it may cause certain groups of patients to be excluded, e.g. those who have comorbid conditions.
Rationing could be accomplished through 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 set on a common standard that everyone has to meet, as this would improve consistency and ensure all patients receive an equal level of service.
If you think you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is recommended to speak with your GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose you but they may send you for an assessment by an expert psychiatrist. You can request a quicker referral if you have long wait lists. This is possible through your "right to choose" which permits you to select the NHS organization that will provide your care.
Private mental health providers offer ADHD assessments. The process is similar with the NHS and involves only one consultation with psychiatrist. They will take note of your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological assessment and gather information from symptom checklists and behavioural rating scales. They will then give you an assessment of ADHD and provide the best treatment options.