ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK<br /><br />If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, you should speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to the right service.<br /><br />An NHS assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse. They will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. They will also rule out other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br /><br /><br />A person suffering from ADHD is unable to concentrate or keeping their mind on tasks. They often lose things that are necessary for their daily activities (for instance, school supplies tools, keys, glasses, wallets, papers). They are unable to follow instructions and keep track of time, and they are unable to finish their work. They also have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games. They can interrupt other people, talk too much or make careless errors. They often fidget, tap their feet or hands or squirm their seat. In the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, a person is always "on the go," and they have problems sitting still or playing quietly. They struggle to control their emotions and are often easily overwhelmed or angry. They have trouble making and keeping friends. They are often late to appointments and have difficulty planning and organising. They might have poor eating habits, such as skipping meals and choosing foods that are high in calories.<br /><br />A mental health professional will use a variety of tests to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. Physical examinations, psychological assessments as well as interviews with parents, relatives, parents teachers, colleagues, or parents will be taken into consideration. They will ask questions about how their conditions have affected their lives and whether they've been present since childhood. They may request their school records from the past or talk with their parents, teachers, or other people they knew when they were younger.<br /><br />The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">more info</a> are not affecting the work environment or social interactions. Moderate symptoms affect these areas but don't have a long-lasting negative impact on the individual's life. Severe symptoms can have a negative impact on a person's social academic and work life.<br /><br />Adults suffering from ADHD can receive the same treatment as children. The most frequently prescribed medication is stimulant medication. Examples of these drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) as well as dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are two types of psychological therapy.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />The diagnosis of ADHD is not usually straightforward for adults. Adults often wait a long time for an assessment. This can be stressful and depressing. They may believe that the experts who evaluate them don't understand them, especially when they seem to have an anti ADHD predisposition and don't understand that ADHD symptoms can present in adults. The correct diagnosis will allow you determine the best treatment for adult ADHD.<br /><br />To determine the cause of ADHD, a health care professional or mental health specialist will have to gather information from multiple sources, including questionnaires or interviews with the person and feedback from people who know them well. They will also search for other conditions that have similar symptoms. The health professional will also look at the medical history of the patient and their family history to determine if they suffer from any mental or physical illnesses.<br /><br />In children, a doctor or specialist could use questionnaires that are completed by the child's teachers and caregivers, as well as observations in school. They may also conduct a cognitive assessment and screen for any learning issues. Additionally, they can rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD including depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.<br /><br />Adults may have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because the signs change with time. In general, impulsivity and hyperactivity become less of an issue as you age, but inattention is still a problem. Additionally, adults who have ADHD often have difficulty at work and maintaining healthy relationships. They may have trouble keeping their job, adhering to corporate rules, and completing deadlines. Spending on impulse can lead to financial problems and debt.<br /><br />Adults who suspect they may have ADHD should talk to their doctor, who may refer them to a psychiatrist for an assessment. The process can take a long time, because NHS services have a limited number of resources to diagnose ADHD and a high number of people in need of help. If doctors are unable diagnose ADHD or do not recognize the symptoms that are present, it is essential to consult a psychiatrist with experience with adult ADHD. People who don't wish to wait for NHS assessments can consider private health care, which is typically quicker and simpler.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />The main reason people need an ADHD assessment is that the symptoms they experience are causing issues in work and relationships. These might include frequent disciplinary actions in the workplace, difficulties at school or college and persistent marital and relationship issues.<br /><br />Many of these problems can be addressed with medication and lifestyle modifications. Psychotherapy can be beneficial in certain situations. The use of stimulant drugs is a popular treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD however, people can also try non-stimulant drugs such as melatonin or atomoxetine to manage their symptoms. It is crucial for those with ADHD to research all treatment options to determine what works best for them.<br /><br />In the UK the majority of people with ADHD are treated by the NHS. However, the system is facing ever-growing pressures, with demand outstripping capacity. This has led to lengthy waiting times for ADHD evaluations. According to a recent BBC investigation patients in England are waiting for up two years to receive an assessment.<br /><br />The long wait times are a cause for concern. The NHS is trying to reduce services based on criteria like severity of symptoms, impairment and risk. However, this approach is not ideal as it could lead to patients being disadvantaged or even being excluded.<br /><br />To avoid this issue, people should contact their GP to schedule an appointment with a specialist clinic that can diagnose adult ADHD along with other neurodiverse disorders. They should be able to explain their symptoms to the GP and it may be beneficial to have some knowledge of adult ADHD prior to the appointment to help prepare for the consultation.<br /><br />After your GP sends you to an expert ADHD clinic and you'll be able to meet with a psychiatrist. He or she will assess your condition. They will consider your family and personal history and the issues your symptoms create in your life. They will also consider the effects of your symptoms on your health, working and overall wellbeing.<br /><br />Your physician may recommend that you begin taking medication. They might also suggest other treatments such as psychotherapy or lifestyle changes. For instance, they could suggest a change in your diet or regular exercise to boost your energy levels and focus. In addition, they might recommend a career coach to help you with time management or a counselor who can help you overcome your emotional turmoil and interpersonal difficulties.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Many people with ADHD don't have a diagnosis until adulthood. Many people who suffer from ADHD have suffered symptoms for years and compensated for them as they grew older - by working harder or studying to compensate for their inability to concentrate in classes or taking risks to avoid the negative consequences of acting in impulsive ways. As adults, they may have more responsibilities - running a household, raising children, or working which can add more pressure and stress to their lives. This can increase the severity of symptoms, which can lead to being overwhelmed and unhappy.<br /><br />Due to the increased demand for ADHD tests and the limitations of capacity due to the limited capacity, the NHS is currently experiencing lengthy waiting times. In the future it is likely that the NHS will adopt a 'rationing' approach, whereby people will be given an appointment based upon several factors, including the severity of their symptoms and how much their issues affect their quality of life. This is a controversial notion that could lead to certain groups of patients be marginalized, e.g. patients with comorbid illnesses.<br /><br />The use of symptom or impairment scales could be used to determine the level of care, but certain patients may exaggerate the severity of their symptoms to satisfy the standards. An alternative that is more sensible is to establish a standard that all must meet. This would improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same quality of care.<br /><br />If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD, you should go to your GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose you however, they can recommend you to be assessed by an expert psychiatrist. You can request a faster referral if you have long wait lists. This is possible through your "right to select" which permits you to select the NHS agency that will offer your treatment.<br /><br />Private mental health practitioners provide ADHD evaluations. The procedure is similar to the one of the NHS and involves a one-off consultation with a qualified psychiatrist. They will listen to your concerns and perform a thorough psychological evaluation by gathering data by using symptom checklists as well as behaviour rating scales. They will then provide you with an assessment of ADHD and will discuss the best options for treatment.<br /><br />