ADHD Diagnosis - Celebrities Help Remove the Stigma
Celebrities like Simone Biles, Adam Levine and many others have spoken out about their experiences with ADHD. This has helped remove the stigma surrounding the condition. For many, getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event.
A diagnosis on the NHS begins with a specialized evaluation by a psychiatrist or a psychologist (as per Nice guidelines). This will be a 45-90 minute interview.
Getting a diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that can cause havoc on your life, at home and at work. Accurate diagnosis is important when you're constantly losing keys, struggling at work to finish your work, or arguing with your family about your impulse purchases. A thorough clinical assessment by a seasoned Consultant Psychiatrist will help you reach a correct diagnosis.
You can self-refer or get referred by your GP to see a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD However, the process will differ depending on the route you choose to take. If you self-refer you may require a fee for the assessment yourself which is known as going private. If your doctor recommends you for an assessment, it's free.
The psychiatrist will discuss the background of your symptoms with you during a thorough interview, and they will also solicit feedback from others who know you well, such as teachers, family members and colleagues. During the interview you will be asked to assess your symptoms in relation to your daily functioning. They will also investigate any issues that have recently arisen like issues with relationships or work. They will also ask about any mental health conditions that you may be suffering from.
Your doctor will refer you to the NHS for an ADHD assessment. The assessment will usually include a 45-90 minute discussion with a specialist nurse or psychiatrist and ADHD questionnaires. Certain NHS clinicians will arrange for additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing if required.
If your GP confirms that you suffer from ADHD then he will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. He could prescribe medication, if needed. You can also request an appointment at Priory which is a private clinic with consultants who have vast experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD. They will offer effective treatment.
However, NHS services are stretched and it can be a challenge to get a referral an assessment, particularly in the event that your GP is not familiar with ADHD. Doctors who aren't aware of adult ADHD can feel unable to provide you with the help and support you require and some might even refuse to diagnose it. You can help improve your chances of a speedy, thorough assessment by taking action to raise awareness and by making sure you select the right GP to refer you.
Medication
Medicines can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and more peaceful. They work by increasing certain brain chemical. Stimulants, such lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, are usually prescribed. Other medications like atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and antidepressants such as bupropion can be prescribed if stimulants do not perform or cause serious side effects.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are able to see that changes in diet or taking supplements can improve their symptoms. However, these approaches should only be considered under the supervision of a physician and with the guidance of an experienced dietitian. There is no evidence that these treatments work, and they should not be used as an alternative to treatment by a professional.
The most commonly used medication is treatment for ADHD for both adults and children. People suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication unless advised to do so by a physician. Medicines can have serious, sometimes life-threatening side effects if it is stopped too quickly or if it is not taken as directed.
Therapy can be a beneficial way to manage ADHD symptoms, in addition to taking medication. Psychotherapy, also known as psychological counseling, can help adults, adolescents, and children accept their diagnosis and learn to live with them. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that assists people change negative thoughts and behaviours into more positive ones. Counselling for family and marriage is beneficial for people with ADHD, as it can help them deal with the issues that arise in their relationships.
Despite the challenges many people with ADHD achieve success at work and in their relationships. The disorder can cause problems in education and careers but can also allow people to gain a different perspective on the world. For example, the hyperactivity and impulsiveness of ADHD can allow people to see the details that others do not and can help them become more successful in creative fields.
To receive a diagnosis it is recommended that you first visit your GP to have a full discussion about your symptoms. Bring along how to get an adult adhd diagnosis that you've taken about your symptoms, as well as examples of how these have affected your daily life. The GP decides whether to refer you for an NHS assessment or to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you live in England you are entitled to select your NHS mental healthcare provider.
Therapy
ADHD symptoms can manifest differently in adults, which can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. You can search online for an ADHD specialist or your general physician might refer you. However, this is not always the situation. The waiting time can be lengthy, especially in England and Wales where NHS guidelines mandate that they provide an ADHD service. Alternatively, you can pay for an independent diagnosis and treatment. This isn't without risk however, since many GPs will not prescribe medication when they've already diagnosed you privately.
It takes a long time to get an ADHD diagnosis and adults typically have a more difficult time obtaining one than children. This is because adults who have ADHD symptoms are usually viewed as "problematic" or "failures".
There are several key gatekeepers who can help people gain access to diagnosis and treatment. These include teachers and youth center workers, social workers, and police officers. They have regular contact with many youngsters and are better able to identify symptoms than their parents. However, they may also be hindered by own biases, which may include overemphasizing the role of inadequate home environments and diet in causing ADHD symptoms.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be difficult if you're multi-neurodivergent or have both autism and ADHD or if you've been diagnosed with a different mental health condition. This is because these conditions may sometimes overlap with each and make it difficult to determine which one you're suffering from.
Fortunately the NHS has introduced a new way to conduct ADHD assessments that is designed to cut down on waiting times. It's known as the "right to choose" method which allows you to choose your personal therapist for an NHS-funded test. This means that if your home is in England, it should be much easier to get an ADHD assessment as opposed to the past.
Support
In a recent survey ADHD Aware found that those who have been diagnosed with the disorder can be extremely frustrated. Many people report that it makes them feel like they are failing or that they aren't worthy of treatment. Others are confused about how to manage their symptoms and could struggle with work or family life. They may also be misunderstood by those who surround them, and may even lose their jobs as a result.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are often difficult to recognize and understand, which means that they are often diagnosed with other mental health issues. This can cause people to be treated in a way that is not appropriate, for example, antidepressants which can have serious side effects. It is important to consult a GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know might suffer from ADHD. They can refer you and arrange a test. The results of the test could help determine if medication or treatment is required.
Adults with ADHD require access to high-quality support services. The condition can cause major problems in every area of their life, from academic performance to relationships and career advancement. It can also trigger depression and anxiety. Yet, many NHS trusts are struggling to provide adequate services. Some are unable to meet the demand and are suffering from long waiting times.
It takes a long time for a doctor to refer patients suffering from ADHD to the local NHS mental health service. You can ask your GP to exercise your right to choose and recommend you to a service in the private sector if you wish to accelerate the process. This is a more straightforward and more cost-effective option.
Check the waiting lists for ADHD tests in your area. The longer the wait, the more difficult it will be for you to get a diagnosis and get treatment. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist psychologist. They may be able assess you more quickly than a psychiatrist.