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 to remove the stigma that surrounds the condition. For many, getting diagnosed with ADHD is a life-changing experience.
A diagnosis on the NHS begins with a specialized evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychological professional (as per Nice guidelines). This will be a 45-90 minute interview.
Making a diagnosis
The first step in controlling symptoms of ADHD can be to diagnose it. This will help you achieve control over your life at home and work. Whether you are constantly losing your keys, struggling to complete tasks at work or arguing with family members about your excessive spending, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Accurate diagnosis can be achieved through a structured clinical assessment with an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist.
You can self-refer or have your GP to see a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD, but the process will be different according to the method you choose to take. You may need to pay for your own assessment when you self-refer. This is referred to as going private. If you are referred by your GP it will be for free.
In a thorough discussion with you the psychiatrist will go over your symptoms and history. They will also ask you for feedback from people who are familiar with you, including teachers, family members and colleagues. During the interview, you will be asked to assess your symptoms in relation to your everyday functioning. They will also inquire about any recent issues, including relationships or work-related issues. They will also inquire about any co-existing mental health conditions you might have.
Your GP will then refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. The assessment will typically include an hour-long discussion and ADHD questionnaires with a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Certain NHS doctors will arrange for additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests if needed.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you have ADHD, they will refer you to a specialist for further assessment and a medication prescription if appropriate. You can also ask for a referral to Priory, a private clinic with consultants who have vast experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD. They will provide 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. Some doctors might not diagnose adult ADHD in the event that they don't have the right expertise. You can increase your chances of receiving a quick thorough and accurate assessment by making an effort to increase awareness and making sure you choose the correct GP to refer you.
Medication
The use of medication can help those with ADHD focus better, be less impulsive and more peaceful. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants, such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, are usually prescribed. Other medications, including the non-stimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants (such as bupropion), may also be utilized if stimulants aren't appropriate or cause serious side effects.
Some people with ADHD discover that changing their diet or supplements can improve their symptoms. These approaches should be used only under medical supervision and with the guidance of an experienced dietitian. There is no proof that these treatments work and they are not an alternative to professional treatment.
Medication is the most common treatment for ADHD in children and adults. It is important that people with ADHD do not stop taking their medication without consulting a physician's advice. Medicines can have serious, and sometimes life-threatening, side effects if stopped too soon or if it is not taken as directed.
In addition to medications therapy, it can also be an effective method to manage ADHD symptoms. Psychological counseling, also known as psychotherapy, can assist adolescents, children and adults come to terms with their diagnosis and live with it. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Marital and family counselling can be useful for adults with ADHD, as it can assist them in dealing with the issues that arise in their relationships.
Despite the challenges they face, many people with ADHD are happy in their work and relationships. The disorder can cause difficulties with education and careers however it can also assist people to develop a unique perspective on life. For instance, the hyperactivity and impulsiveness of ADHD can enable people to notice details that others miss which can allow them to become more successful in creative fields.
To determine if you are suffering from a condition, you should first visit your GP to have an open discussion about your symptoms. It's recommended to bring any notes you've made regarding your symptoms, as well as examples of how they've affected your daily life. The GP will then decide whether to send you for an NHS assessment or to another mental health specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. If you live in England you can select the NHS mental health provider you prefer.
Therapy
ADHD symptoms can be different in adults, and this could make it difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. You can search online for an ADHD specialist or your general physician might refer you to. However, this is not always the case. The waiting times can be long particularly in England and Wales, where NHS guidelines mandate that they offer an ADHD service. You can also pay for an individual diagnosis and treatment. This isn't without risk, however, as many GPs do not prescribe medication here if they've already diagnosed you privately.
It takes an extended time to receive an ADHD diagnosis, and adults often have a harder time getting one than children. This is because it's generally not thought that ADHD can be diagnosed until adulthood, and also because GPs tend to see those who have ADHD symptoms as "failures" or "problematic".
There are a few important gatekeepers who can assist patients gain access to diagnosis and treatment. This includes teachers and youth center workers, social workers, and police officers. They are in regular contact with a large number of young people and may be better at identifying signs than their parents. However, they may also be hindered by their own prejudices, which might include overemphasizing poor diet and home environments in causing ADHD symptoms.
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood if you're multiple neurodivergent (such as having both ADHD and autism) or in the event that your mental health condition was previously diagnosed. This is because these conditions may sometimes overlap with each and make it difficult to identify which one you have.
The NHS has introduced a brand new ADHD assessment path that's designed to reduce waiting time. The "right to choice" pathway allows you to select your own therapist to conduct an NHS-funded assessment. If you reside in England, getting an ADHD assessment should be simpler than ever before.
Support
In a recent survey ADHD Aware discovered that adults diagnosed with the condition can be extremely frustrated. Many people report that it makes them feel like a failure or that they don't deserve treatment. Some people are unsure of how to manage their symptoms and may have difficulty working or with their family. They may also be misinterpreted by the people who surround them, and may even lose their jobs as a result.
Adults may have difficulty in recognizing and comprehending the symptoms of ADHD which is why they are often misdiagnosed with other mental disorders. This can cause people to receive inappropriate treatment such as antidepressants that can cause serious side-effects. It is important to consult an GP if you suspect that you or someone you know might suffer from ADHD. They can refer you and schedule a test. The results of the test will allow you to decide if medication or therapy is required.
Adults with ADHD require access to a high-quality support system. This is because the disorder can cause major problems in all aspects of their lives, from academic achievement to relationships and career development. It can also cause anxiety and depression. Despite this the fact that many NHS trusts struggle to provide adequate services. Some are unable to meet demand and are experiencing lengthy waiting times.
Adults who have ADHD can be referred their local NHS mental health services by their physician, but this can be long and time-consuming. If you want to accelerate the process, you can ask your GP about exercising your right to decide and asking them to refer you to a private practitioner. This is a more straightforward and more cost-effective solution.
Check the waiting lists for ADHD assessments in your region. The longer you are waiting longer, the more difficult it will be to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. You can also request your GP to refer you to an expert psychologist. They may be able evaluate you faster than a psychiatrist.