ADHD Diagnosis - Celebrities Help Remove the Stigma
Celebrities such as Simone Biles, Adam Levine and many others have spoken out about their experiences with ADHD. This has helped in removing the stigma associated with the condition. For many people, getting diagnosed with ADHD is a life-changing experience.
A diagnosis on the NHS begins with a specialized examination by a psychiatric or psychological professional (as as per Nice guidelines). This could involve an hour-long to 90-minute interview.
Getting a diagnosis
The first step in controlling symptoms of ADHD is to identify it. This will help you get control of your daily life at home and at work. If you're constantly losing your keys, struggling to complete tasks at work, or arguing with your family members over your impulsive spending, getting an accurate diagnosis is vital. Accurate diagnosis can be achieved through a systematic clinical assessment with an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist.
You can self-refer to a psychiatrist with expertise in adult ADHD or you can be recommended by your GP. The procedure will differ based on the route you choose. If you self-refer, you might have to pay for the assessment yourself, known as going private. If you're referred by your GP it will be for free.
The psychiatrist will go over the history of your symptoms with you in a thorough interview, and they will also solicit feedback from other people who know you well, such as teachers, family members and colleagues. During the interview, you will be asked to rate your symptoms in relation to your daily activities. They will also look into any issues that have recently arisen like issues in your relationships or at work. They will also ask about any mental health conditions that you may have.
Your doctor will recommend you to the NHS for an ADHD assessment. The test typically includes an hour-long meeting with psychiatrist or specialist nurse and ADHD questionnaires. Some NHS specialists might arrange for additional tests like neuropsychological or learning disability testing.
If your doctor agrees that you suffer from ADHD and is able to identify it, they will refer you to a specialist to conduct a further assessment and provide a medication prescription if appropriate. You can also ask for an appointment at Priory which is a private clinic with consultants who have vast experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD. They can provide effective treatment.
The NHS is stretched and it may be difficult to refer you for an assessment when your doctor doesn't know about ADHD. Some doctors might not diagnose adult ADHD in the event that they don't have the required knowledge. By raising awareness and selecting the best GP will increase your chances of a thorough evaluation.
Medication
The medication can aid those suffering from ADHD to focus better, be more calm and less impulsive. They help by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants, such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, are most often prescribed. Other medications, such as atomoxetine which is a non-stimulant and antidepressants such as bupropion can be prescribed when stimulants fail to work or cause severe adverse effects.
Some people suffering from ADHD may find that dietary adjustments or supplements may help improve their symptoms. However, these methods should only be considered under the supervision of a physician and with the help of an experienced dietitian. These methods have not been proved to be effective and should not be used in lieu of professional treatment.
Medication is the most common treatment for ADHD for both adults and children. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD should not stop taking their medication without a doctor's advice. If you stop taking your medication too quickly or fail to take it properly, you can experience serious and even fatal side effects.
Therapy can be a beneficial method of managing ADHD symptoms, in addition to taking medication. Psychotherapy, also known as psychological counseling can help adults teens and children accept their diagnosis and learn how to deal with them. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Adults with ADHD can benefit from marital and family counseling, which can help them deal with the difficulties they face in their relationships.
Despite the difficulties, many people with ADHD achieve success at work and in their relationships. The disorder can cause problems in the field of education and career however, it can also assist people to gain a unique perspective on the world. For instance, the hyperactivity and impulsiveness of ADHD can enable people to notice things that others don't which can allow them to succeed in their creative fields.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to visit your GP and have an open and honest discussion about your symptoms. Bring any notes you've taken regarding your symptoms as well as examples of how they have affected your daily routine. The GP decides whether to refer you to an NHS assessment or to a mental specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you reside in England you can select the NHS mental healthcare provider you prefer.
Therapy
Adult ADHD symptoms can present differently which makes it difficult to identify. You can search online for an ADHD specialist, or your general practitioner 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 require them to offer an ADHD service. You can also pay for a private diagnosis and treatment. This isn't without risks though since many GPs will not allow you to receive prescriptions if you've already been diagnosed privately, so it's important to research your options first.
It takes a long time to get an ADHD diagnosis, and adults often have a harder time getting one than children. This is due to the fact that it's not thought that ADHD can develop in adulthood, and also because GPs tend to view adults who present with ADHD symptoms as "failures" or "problematic".
However, there are important gatekeepers in the healthcare system who have the power to help people access diagnosis and treatment. Teachers, social workers, youth workers, and police officers are just a few examples of these people. They are in regular contact with a lot of youngsters and are more able to recognize signs than their parents. They may be hindered by their own biases. For instance they might overemphasize the role of poor diet and the home environment in causing ADHD symptoms.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be particularly difficult if you're multi-neurodivergent, such as having both autism and ADHD or if you've already been diagnosed with a different mental health condition. This is because these conditions may overlap with one the other, making it difficult to identify which one you have.
The NHS has launched a new ADHD assessment path that's designed to reduce waiting time. It's referred to as the "right to choose" method that allows you to choose your own therapist for an NHS-funded assessment. This means that if your home is in England it will be much easier to get an ADHD assessment as opposed to the past.
Support
ADHD Aware conducted an investigation recently and found that people suffering from the adult add diagnosis disorder often find it difficult to manage. Many people report that they feel like a failure or that they don't deserve treatment. Some are unsure of how to manage their symptoms and may struggle with family or work life. They could also be misunderstood, and lose their job as a result.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to recognise and understand, which means that they are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions. This can lead to people be treated in a way that is not appropriate, for example, antidepressants which can have serious side effects. If you're concerned that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is crucial to speak to a GP as soon as you can. They can refer you to them and schedule a test. The results of the test will allow you to decide whether therapy or medication is required.
Adults with ADHD need to have access to 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 anxiety and depression. Yet there are many NHS trusts are struggling to provide adequate services. Certain NHS trusts aren't able to meet demand, and have long waiting times.
Adults with ADHD can be referred to their local NHS mental health services by their physician however, this can be lengthy. You can ask your GP to exercise your right to choice and refer you to a provider in the private sector in order to accelerate the process. This could be a faster and cost-effective choice.
See if there are waiting lists for ADHD assessments in your area. The longer you wait is, the more difficult it will be for you to get a diagnosis and receive treatment. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist psychologist. They might be able to evaluate you faster than psychiatrists.