ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Many adults seek an ADHD assessment because they feel that something isn't quite right. They might be concerned about their work or relationships.
According to current NHS guidelines in England and Wales you are legally entitled to receive an ADHD diagnosis. Your specialist will follow NICE Guidelines and will also request observer reports from other people who know you well, particularly as an infant.
What is ADHD assessment?
You or your child can determine whether they suffer from ADHD through an ADHD assessment. You will be questioned by an approved specialist psychiatrist or psychologist, who are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They can use checklists and behavior ratings scales in order to determine your symptoms. They may also ask those who know your symptoms. They could also request an examination of your body and medical history to rule out any other conditions that may be a precursor to ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to be honest during your evaluation. If you're not truthful, the examiner might conclude that you're not serious about obtaining an assessment or that your symptoms aren't that severe. During the evaluation, you'll likely be asked to provide information about your personal history with mental health and those of your family members as well as any issues at school or at work. You might be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire or fill out an assessment scale for your behavioral health, and you'll probably have to be attentive to what you're doing during your assessment.
You must show at least six indications of ADHD in two or more locations such as school or at home and must be interfering with your daily routine. The symptoms must have begun in your early childhood, prior to the age of 12, and they can't be explained by a different disorder, like depression or anxiety. You could be referred by your GP or an independent psychiatrist that specializes with ADHD to receive treatment.
If you choose to take the private route, you'll likely discover that the wait is significantly less than the NHS. It's not uncommon for people to wait for more than a whole year on the NHS and that can be devastating for people who are struggling in the meantime. A few people on the NHS waiting lists committed suicide as a result of the stress and frustration of waiting. Private treatment lets you begin treatment immediately. The majority of private psychiatrists are skilled in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can also screen for and treat co-morbidities, like anxiety or depression.
Why do I need an assessment?
If you think you might be suffering from ADHD or are experiencing problems in your life due to it, you'll need to have an expert mental health assessment. This will ideally be done by an experienced psychiatrist who is well-versed in neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD. Psychotherapists and psychologists are also able to do this type of evaluation. If you're not sure of which therapy to pick, you can ask your general practitioner for a recommendation or a counselor you've worked with. You can also search on the web for professionals in your area with a good reputation. Certain insurance plans also provide lists of professional who are qualified.
The process of a full diagnostic will include questions and a structured interview with the doctor. The primary focus will be on your symptoms within your current family, work and social context. The psychiatrist will inquire about your previous symptoms as a child or adolescent. The doctor will also focus on the impact of your symptoms in adulthood. They will also determine whether you have any other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on your identity and circumstances, they may request details about your family members and friends. You may also be asked to bring old school documents or reports to be evaluated. This can be a stressful procedure as it can be difficult to recall all the details of your childhood or the adolescence.
The process can be more difficult if you are or belong to a minority group or gender non-conforming (GGN). In the UK, for example there is a prejudice against people of colour gender non-conforming (GNCs) and females being diagnosed with ADHD even when the symptoms are obvious. This makes it difficult to get a diagnosis however, it is possible for doctors to refer you to a private specialist such as a Wellbeing Centre or Priory Hospital to conduct an assessment. You can also sign an agreement for shared-care with your GP to make the process easier. However, not all GPs will be able to do this.
How do I get an assessment done?
Your physician is your primary healthcare provider and is best in referring you to an assessment. You can also contact a private specialist, such as Priory, and arrange an appointment. Priory's expert psychiatrists have decades of experience diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer you the full range of treatment options.
If your GP decides to refer you, they'll request you and a close friend or family member to fill out a few questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can be accessed through your portal dashboard and must be completed at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. They are designed to highlight behaviors that may indicate ADHD. Your GP will arrange for a referral to an adult ADHD service.
If you reside in a location that provides this service, your local mental health service will usually conduct it. They will undertake a comprehensive mental health and psychiatric evaluation, including looking at other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
You should also provide details of any mental health issues you might have experienced or had in the past. These could impact your ability to get assessed for ADHD. You may also include any reports or feedback from your educational tutors, supervisors, and colleagues. Additionally, you should provide information about any help you receive at home, such as through an GP or a non-profit organization such as EmployAbility.
Once the psychiatrist has completed their assessment, they will discuss their findings with you. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they'll provide a care plan that may include medication recommendations. The care plan will also detail any other assistance they believe would be beneficial for you, such as providing you with information on talk therapies or coaching.
We know that it can be difficult to access the support you require when your health or social medical needs are complex. This is why we provide a free, confidential call with an assistant psychologist to help find out what support might be available to you. This could include the referral to local ADHD support group or an eligibility test for government-funded schemes such as Access to Work.
What happens during an assessment?
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in controlling symptoms, which can create issues in a variety of settings - from the workplace to home. A thorough interview conducted by a professional with experience and various psychometric tests are usually part of an evaluation. The results can be used to determine how symptoms affect an individual and whether or not they are the result of medical conditions or any other causes.
adhd diagnosis in adult involves gathering detailed information on the person's previous experiences, including when symptoms first appeared and how long they lasted. The doctor will also want to understand the impact of ADHD symptoms on the individual's life in general, which includes school, work and relationships. This will be dependent on a definition of impairment that will consider whether the person has been fired because of their trouble with time management, experienced extreme stress and conflict in their marriage, or been placed on academic probation due to poor grades.
An experienced psychiatrist or psychologist certified to evaluate ADHD will conduct an interview. Professionals may use different materials and procedures, but certain protocols are required for a complete assessment. This includes a detailed interview and standardized scores for ADHD and other psychometric tests. In some cases, a specialist will administer a series of tests designed to detect ADHD and other disorders like anxiety disorders or learning disabilities.
Consult your doctor or contacting a local mental clinic is a good idea if you are unsure of where to start or have questions about the right health care professional. Many adult ADHD support groups are in a position to provide you with information about qualified professionals in your area. Certain health insurance plans offer the names of qualified professionals sorted by specialty to help you find the best professional for your evaluation.