ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Many adults seek an ADHD assessment because they feel something isn't quite right. They may have concerns about their work or relationships.
According to current NHS guidelines in England and Wales you are legally entitled to an ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor will follow NICE guidelines and will also ask for observer reports from people who know you, particularly as a child.
What is an ADHD assessment?
You or your child can find out whether they suffer from ADHD through an ADHD assessment. You will be questioned by an accredited specialist psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They may use checklists and behavior ratings scales to evaluate your symptoms. They might also interview those who know you. They might also ask for an exam of your body and a medical background to rule out other conditions that may be a precursor to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
It is essential to be honest and forthright when you're evaluating. If you're not, the examiner may think you aren't committed to being diagnosed or that your symptoms aren't that bad. During the evaluation you'll probably be asked about your family and personal mental health history, as well as any problems at school or work. You might be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire or an assessment of your behavior. It is also important to pay attention during the examination.
To be diagnosed you must show at least six symptoms of ADHD that appear in more than one place like school and home and affect your daily life. These symptoms must have manifested in childhood before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other conditions, like anxiety or depression. You could be referred by your GP or an independent psychiatrist who specializes with ADHD to receive treatment.
The waiting times are shorter if you choose to opt for private. It's not uncommon to have to wait for more than a whole year on the NHS and it can be a huge blow to those who are struggling. Some of those on the waiting list have even committed suicide because they could not stand the frustration and anxiety of waiting for an evaluation. Private treatment lets you begin treatment immediately. Private psychiatrists are generally adept at treating adults with ADHD. They are also able to detect and treat co-morbidities such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
Why do I need an assessment?
If you believe that you might be suffering from ADHD or are experiencing issues in your life due to it, you'll need an assessment by a professional psychiatrist. It is best performed by a psychiatrist who has experience working with neurodevelopmental conditions and ADHD specifically. However, there are psychotherapists and psychologists who can do this type of assessment. If you're unsure of which one to pick the best option is to seek recommendations from your physician or a therapist you know. You can also search the internet to find professionals in your area who have a good reputation. Certain insurance plans offer lists of qualified professionals.
The process of obtaining a clinical diagnosis will involve questions and a formal interview with the specialist. The primary focus will be on your symptoms within a current work, family and social setting. The psychiatrist will inquire about your past symptoms as a child or adolescent. The doctor will also focus on the effects of your symptoms into adulthood. They will also check for other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Based on the professional and conditions, they might ask for information from your close friends and family members. It is also not unusual for them to ask you to bring old school reports or other documents for review. This could be a stressful aspect of the process as it is difficult to remember details concerning your experiences in adolescence or childhood.
The process can be more difficult if you're a minority group and/or gender non-conforming (GGN). In the UK for example people of color, GNCs and females are still not diagnosed with ADHD even if their symptoms are obvious. It can be difficult to get a proper diagnosis. However, your GP may recommend you to a private specialist like a Priory Hospital or a Wellbeing Centre for an assessment. You can also sign an agreement on shared-care with your GP to make the process easier. However, not all GPs will do this.
How do I get an assessment done?
Your physician is your primary care provider and is best placed to refer you for an assessment. You can also contact a private specialist such as Priory and make an appointment on your own. Priory's psychiatric specialists have decades of experience diagnosing ADHD in adults and can offer a range of treatment options.
If your GP decides to refer you to a specialist, they'll ask you and a close family member or friend to fill out a few questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can be accessed via your portal dashboard and must be completed at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. They are designed to highlight behaviors that may be indicative of ADHD. Your doctor will make a referral to an adult ADHD service.
If you reside in an area that offers this service, your local mental health team typically conducts it. They will conduct a thorough mental and psychiatric assessment, including a look at other conditions such as anxiety and depression, which can sometimes resemble ADHD symptoms.
It's essential to note any other mental health issues you may have, or that were previously diagnosed in your family, since these could impact your ability to be evaluated for ADHD. It is also helpful to bring any feedback or reports from educational tutors, supervisors and work colleagues and also specifics of any help you receive at home (for example, a GP service or non-profit organisation such as EmployAbility).
After the psychiatrist has completed the evaluation, they'll discuss their findings with you. If they decide that you have ADHD they'll give you an action plan for treatment that could include medication recommendations. The care plan will also provide any other support they feel would be helpful for you, like the need to refer you to talk therapies or coaching.
We recognize that it may be difficult to obtain the assistance you require when your health or social healthcare needs are complex. This is why we offer a free, confidential call with an assistant psychologist to help discover what assistance may be available to you. This could include a referral to an ADHD support group in your area, or an assessment of eligibility for government funded schemes like Access to Work.
What happens during an assessment?
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms, which can create issues in a variety of settings - from the workplace to home. An evaluation typically includes an extensive interview conducted by a knowledgeable professional and various forms of psychometric tests. This information will help determine what symptoms are affecting the individual and whether they are a result of other medical conditions or issues.
A thorough assessment requires collecting detailed information about the person's history, particularly when the symptoms began and how long they have been present. The specialist will also want to know the effect of ADHD symptoms on the individual's life in general, which includes work, school, and relationships. This will be determined by the definition of impairment, which examines whether the person has been fired because of their difficulties with time management or put on academic probation because of poor grades.
An interview will be conducted by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist who is qualified to perform ADHD assessments. Professionals can use a variety of techniques and materials, however certain protocols are essential for a complete assessment. This includes a thorough clinical interview, standardized rating scales for ADHD and other forms of psychometric testing. In adhd adult diagnosis uk will administer a series of tests that are designed to test for ADHD and other disorders like learning disabilities or anxiety disorders.
If you're unsure of where to begin or have questions about finding the right health care professional, it's usually best to consult your doctor or visit an area mental health clinic for recommendations. Many adult ADHD support groups are in a position to provide you with information on qualified professionals close to you. Certain health insurance plans include specialists who are certified and can assist you in finding the right specialist for your evaluation.