Seven Explanations On Why Adult Diagnosis Of ADHD Is So Important
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a very real problem that can lead to significant impairment. It is a problem that affects all ages and can be treated using stimulant medications.
If you think you may have ADHD it is important to speak with your GP and be open and honest about the symptoms. They'll then be able to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
1. Consult your GP
The first step is to speak with your GP. If you think that you be suffering from ADHD It is crucial to speak to your GP about how you're feeling and how your symptoms impact on your life. If they think it's beneficial, they can refer you to an ADHD expert.
Typically, an ADHD assessment is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist psychologist (though this may not be the situation). They will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and how they impact your day-today functioning. They may be able to examine your medical history, including any mental health issues you've had in the past. They may ask for examples from your childhood and examine how your symptoms affect various aspects of your life. They will also look at your family history, and whether you or your children have been diagnosed with ADHD prior to this.
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis, especially as adults. Often, you will encounter prejudice from professionals who aren't aware of the condition. This can be particularly challenging especially if you're of color or have a gender assigned at birth, or are not a native English speaker.
It is worthwhile asking your GP why he or she isn't inclined to refer you to a specialist. There could be solid clinical reasons behind this. It could be that your GP doesn't believe that your symptoms are severe enough or have been present for a prolonged period of time. It might be worth changing GPs, or using your 'Right to Choose" to get a private examination commissioned by the NHS.
The Psychiatry-UK website has a great guide to doing this here. If your doctor isn't willing to make this referral try again with a different GP or you could even self-refer to an independent provider yourself, which is inexpensive in comparison to an NHS Maudsley referral! It's worth a shot to have your ADHD assessed and receive a diagnosis within six weeks.
2. Request an assessment
Ask your GP for an assessment if you are concerned about whether your child or you may have ADHD. They should be happy to do this, but they may inform you that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD because the symptoms you experience are more connected to a different problem. You do not have to accept this however - you can ask a private provider for an assessment yourself and many people find that this is the fastest and most convenient method.
Once you've been asked for an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to the interview with your specialist. Most of the time, this will involve psychologists (although it could be a psychiatrist or another mental health professional as well).
They will look at your background and how ADHD symptoms have affected your life. It is essential that you are honest and honest so that they can get a full understanding of your struggles. They will also watch your work, school or at home, as well as with family members and friends. They might require a medical examination and will likely order blood tests to rule out other conditions.
It is typical for the NHS to offer an ADHD assessment to anyone who is directed by their GP. However, the service could have long waiting times and you must be aware that not all providers of NHS ADHD assessments are equal. Some providers have shorter wait times than others, and they are easily accessible via the internet. This is an benefit.
The Psychologist will analyze your symptoms and determine if you have ADHD. They will also be looking for any other mental health issues that may be associated with ADHD. For instance, they may check for anxiety and depression since they are often co-morbid with ADHD. The doctor will then give you suggestions on medications. If you are in agreement that you are a good fit, your GP will be contacted regarding shared medication treatment.
If you choose to go the private route, your psychiatrist will be able to provide a quicker diagnosis since they are accustomed to working with adults suffering from ADHD. In addition they are experienced in checking for other mental health issues and are aware of how they can affect someone suffering from ADHD.
3. Ask for a referral.
Schedule an appointment with your GP in case you aren't sure whether you have ADHD or a different mental health problem. During this open and frank conversation you'll be able to discuss your symptoms and how they impact various aspects of your life. If your GP considers you a serious patient and believes you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD then they will refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If adhd private diagnosis near me 're not willing to make this referral or find the NHS waiting lists to long, you can self-refer or use your choice of a doctor which will accelerate the process and allow you to be diagnosed online.
You are usually seen by psychologist or psychiatrist, who are the only healthcare professionals in the UK qualified to diagnose ADHD (NICE guidelines). You'll be asked about any mental health issues within your family, and a close friend or colleague will be interviewed as well. The interview may be in person, however video calls may also be useful. The expert will talk to you about your current concerns and conduct a series of clinical tests, which may include ADHD questionnaires. They'll also ask how your symptoms affect your home, work and social life. They'll also look at other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
Depending on your diagnosis the doctor may prescribe medications and a plan of treatment. Or, you may be directed back to your GP to discuss shared management. The positive aspect is that many ADHD adults notice a significant improvement in their lives after being diagnosed - and this is even if they don't take medication.
It can be challenging to find an experienced psychiatrist in the treatment of ADHD and whose work is consistent with the standards set by NICE. However there are plenty of private psychiatrists with vast experience and are able to provide professional, efficient services. You can find psychiatrists, and a lot offer online assessments that may be quicker than an NHS referral. They charge between PS600 and PS1,200, however they are eligible for financial assistance from the NHS through the Right To Choose scheme.
4. Ask for an answer to your question.
Adults are more difficult in determining their risk of developing adhd than children. The DSM-5 symptom guide is very specifically designed to diagnose children, but does not offer as clear an avenue to make a diagnosis for adults. A psychiatrist will generally request a full description of your symptoms and how they affect you, as well as the members of your family and at work. They may also request to review old school reports or job reviews.
This process is usually a fairly thorough and subjective one, especially for adults. Psychiatrists will try to rule out other possible causes of your ADHD symptoms like thyroid issues or depression. They will also check to see if your symptoms have been present since childhood. This can sometimes be difficult to prove, particularly when the person is an adult and no longer in contact with their former teachers. Bring documentation to your assessment. This could include notes, checklists, and other documents from friends and family.
It is very important that your GP is able to comprehend your symptoms and their impact on you in your daily routine, and that they refer you to an expert for an ADHD assessment. It is against NICE guidelines for GPs to create their own diagnosis since they are not trained psychiatrists, and can only offer treatment options such as psychotherapy and medication.
If your doctor suggests it is recommended, the NHS will pay for an ADHD assessment. Ask for a psychiatrist to conduct the assessment, as they have been trained in diagnosing and managing ADHD. The assessment should include the discussion in person and observations of how you perform in various settings, including at work, home and at school. You may be asked to complete questionnaires as well.
You can request a private assessment in the event that you are unhappy with the waiting times for the NHS. There is more information on how to request this and the options available in our guide.