ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK
Talk with your GP If you think you or your children may have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend the appropriate service.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse will conduct an NHS assessment. They will determine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. They will also try and rule out other disorders, like depression or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADHD struggles with concentration or keeping their mind on a task. They often lose items which are essential for their daily work or activities (such as school supplies, tools and wallets or eyeglasses, papers, etc.). They are unable to follow instructions and keep the track of time, and they are unable to finish their work. They also struggle to wait for their turn in games or in conversations. They may be too busy and make a few blunders and interrupt others. They are prone to fidget, tap 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 are unable to regulate their emotions, and can easily become overwhelmed or angry. They have difficulty making and keeping friends. They have difficulties with organisation and planning, and they frequently miss appointments. They may also have poor eating habits such as not eating meals or choosing foods that are high in calories.
A mental health professional uses various tests to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. These will include psychological assessments as well as physical examinations and interviews with their partner, family members and teachers as well as work colleagues. They will be asked questions regarding how their symptoms have affected their lives and whether they've been present since childhood. They may ask for past school records or speak to their parents, teachers or any other individuals who knew them in their early years.
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms don't interfere with social or work relationships. Moderate symptoms can affect those areas but do not cause a negative impact on the individual's life. Severe symptoms have a significant negative impact on an individual's academic, social and work life and may be disruptive to their lives.
Adults suffering from ADHD are eligible for the same treatment as children. The most frequently prescribed medication is a stimulant drug. The drugs are methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine. Psychological therapy includes mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
Diagnosis
Adults are often unable to diagnose ADHD. Adults typically wait for a long time to receive an assessment. This can be stressful and depressing. They may think that the professionals who assesses them do not know what they are going through, particularly if they appear to have anti ADHD predisposition and do not comprehend that ADHD symptoms can present in adults. The right diagnosis will help you determine the most effective treatment for adult ADHD.
To determine the cause of ADHD, a health care professional or mental health specialist must gather information from several sources, such as questionnaires, interviews with the person as well as feedback from other people who know them well. They will also look for other disorders with similar symptoms. The health care 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.
In the case of children, a doctor or specialist might use questionnaires filled out by the child's teachers and caretakers and also observations in the school. They may also conduct an assessment of cognitive function and screen for learning issues. Additionally, they can determine if there are other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD including depression, anxiety or abuse of substances.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult for adults, since the symptoms tend to change over time. Generally, the impulsive and hyperactive symptoms diminish in adulthood, while inattentive symptoms remain more challenging. Adults with ADHD might also have difficulties working in a professional setting or maintaining healthy relationships. They may have trouble keeping a job, following corporate rules, and meeting deadlines. Spending on impulse can result in financial issues and debt.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should speak to their doctor, who will refer them to a psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. The process could take a long time, because NHS services have limited resources for diagnosing ADHD and a significant number of people who require help. GPs may not have the training and expertise to correctly assess ADHD If they don't recognize the symptoms, it is essential to find an experienced psychiatrist with a deep understanding of adult ADHD. People who don't want to wait for NHS evaluations can opt for private healthcare, which is usually quicker and simpler.
adhd diagnosis in adults why people seek an ADHD assessment is that their symptoms cause problems at work and in relationships. These might include frequent disciplinary actions at the workplace, problems in college or at school, as well as ongoing marital and relationship problems.
Many of these problems can be resolved with medications and lifestyle modifications. In some instances, psychotherapy can also help. Adults with ADHD are often treated with stimulant medication but non-stimulant medicines like melatonin or atomoxetine can help control symptoms. It is essential to test all treatment options to find the one that is the most effective for you.
In the UK, the majority of those diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment through the NHS. The system is increasingly under pressure because the demand for ADHD treatment exceeds the capacity of the system. This has led to lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessment. A recent BBC investigation found that patients in England are waiting up to two years to receive an assessment.
The long wait times are a serious source of worry. The NHS is trying to reduce services by using criteria like severity of symptoms or impairment, as well as risk. This approach isn't always a good idea, as it can lead patients to be disregarded or disadvantaged.
To avoid this problem, people should contact their GP to make an appointment with an expert clinic that diagnoses adult ADHD along with other neurodiverse disorders. They should be able to explain their symptoms to the GP and it could be beneficial to know some knowledge about adult ADHD before the appointment to help prepare for the consultation.
When your GP recommends you to a specialist ADHD clinic, you'll consult with a psychiatrist. They will assess your condition. They will look at your personal and family history as well as any issues that your symptoms could be causing you. They will also consider the effects of your symptoms on your health, work and well-being.
Your psychiatrist may suggest that you start taking medications. They may also recommend alternative treatments like psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. For instance, they may suggest a change to your diet or regular exercise to boost your energy levels and focus. In addition, they might recommend a career coach to assist you with time management or a counselor to provide strategies to cope with your emotional stress and interpersonal difficulties.
Support
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. Many people with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time, and compensated for them as they aged by putting in extra effort or studying to make up for difficulty paying attention in class or taking risks to prevent the negative consequences of acting in impulsive ways. As adults, they might have more responsibilities, such as managing a home, raising children or working towards a career. This could add more pressure and stress to their lives. This can increase the severity of their symptoms, causing them to feel overwhelmed and unhappy.
Due to the increased demand for ADHD tests and the limitations of capacity, the NHS is currently experiencing long waiting times. In the future, it is possible that NHS will adopt an approach known as a "rationing" method whereby patients are allocated an appointment depending on various factors, including how severe their symptoms and the extent to which their problems impact their daily lives. This is a controversial idea that could lead to some groups of patients to be marginalized, e.g. those with comorbid conditions.
Rationing could be achieved via the use of impairment and symptom scales, however there are concerns that patients would exaggerate their reports to satisfy the requirements. An alternative that is more sensible is to establish a standard that all have to meet. This would increase consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same quality of service.
If you think you may have ADHD, you should go to your GP. They cannot diagnose you formally but they may refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment. You can request a faster referral if there are long wait lists. This is possible through your "right to select" which permits you to select the NHS organization that will offer your treatment.
Private mental health professionals provide ADHD assessments. The procedure is similar to that of the NHS and will involve a one-off consultation with an experienced psychiatrist. They will listen to your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological evaluation by gathering data by using symptom checklists as well as behaviour rating scales. The doctor will determine if you suffer from ADHD and discuss the treatment options.