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 may be concerned about their relationships or work.
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 request observer reports from other people who know you well, especially as an infant.
What is an ADHD assessment?
Achieving an ADHD assessment is the first step towards knowing whether you or your child suffer from this condition. You will be questioned by a licensed specialist psychiatrist or psychologist, who are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They may employ checklists or behavior ratings scales in order to determine your symptoms. They may also ask people who know you. They might also ask for a physical exam and medical history to rule out any other conditions that may be a precursor to ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to be honest during your assessment. If you're not, the evaluator may conclude that you're not interested in getting diagnosed or that your symptoms aren't all that bad. During the assessment you'll probably be asked about your family and personal mental health history and any difficulties in school or work. You may be required to fill out a questionnaire or complete an assessment of your behavior and you'll have be aware of what you're doing during your assessment.
To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least six signs of ADHD that manifest in two or more settings like home and school, and interfere with your life. These symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood, prior to age 12, and they can't be explained by a different disorder, like depression or anxiety. You could be referred back to your GP to seek treatment, or opt to consult an independent psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD.
You'll notice that waiting times are significantly shorter if you choose to go private. It's not uncommon to have to wait more than a year for an assessment on the NHS and that could be a major blow for those who are struggling in the meantime. Some of those on waiting lists have committed suicide because they couldn't bear the frustration and anxiety of waiting for an evaluation. Private therapy usually allows you to start treatment fast, and many private psychiatrists have years of experience treating adults with ADHD. They are also able to detect and treat co-morbidities such as anxiety or depression.
What is the reason I need an assessment?
If you believe that you might have ADHD or are experiencing issues in your life that are caused by it, you'll need a professional mental health assessment. Ideally, this will be done by a psychiatrist who has worked with neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD specifically. However, there are also psychologists and psychotherapists that are able to perform this type of assessment. If adhd in adults undiagnosed 're not sure which one to pick it is best to ask for recommendations from your physician or a therapist you are familiar with. You can also use the internet to find professionals in your area with an excellent reputation. Some insurance plans also provide lists of professional who are qualified.
A structured interview and questions will be a part of the process for an accurate diagnosis. The primary focus will be on your symptoms within your current family, work and social setting. The psychiatrist will ask you about your history of symptoms as a child and adolescent however, they will also focus on the impact your symptoms have had on you in adulthood. They will also test for other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Depending on your identity and circumstances, they may request details about your family and friends. They may also ask you to bring old school reports or documents to be evaluated. This can be a difficult process as it is difficult to remember all the details of your childhood or the adolescence.
If you belong to the minority group or are gender non-conforming, the process may be more difficult. In the UK for instance there is an underlying stigma against people of color, GNCs and females being diagnosed with ADHD, even if the symptoms are clear. This can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis but it is also possible for GPs 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 simplify the process. However, not all GPs will take this step.
How can I arrange for an assessment to be conducted?
Your primary healthcare provider is your GP, and he or she is the best person to refer you to an evaluation. You can also contact an individual specialist, like Priory and make an appointment. Priory's highly trained psychiatrists have many years of experience diagnosing adults with ADHD and are able to offer a full range of treatment options.
If your GP decides that you should be referred, they'll request you and a friend or family member (if you have one) to complete a few questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can be accessed through your portal dashboard and should be completed at least 24 hours before the consultation. They are designed to identify behaviors that could suggest the presence of ADHD. Your GP will then arrange for an onward referral to a commissioned adult ADHD service.
If you live in an area that offers this service, the local mental health service usually provides it. They will undertake a comprehensive mental health and psychiatric examination, including looking at other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
Be sure to be aware of any mental health issues that you might have or have had in the past. These could impact your ability to get assessed for ADHD. You can also bring any feedback or reports from your educational tutors or supervisors as well as your colleagues. Additionally, you can give details of any assistance that you receive at home, such as through a GP or non-profit organization like EmployAbility.
After the psychiatrist has completed their assessment, they will go over their findings with you. If they conclude that you have ADHD they will provide an action plan for treatment that may include prescriptions for medication. The care plan will also outline any other services they think you could be able to benefit from, for instance, an appointment with talk therapy or coaching.
We understand that it may be difficult to receive the assistance you require in the event that your health or social care needs are complicated. This is why we provide a free, confidential call with an assistant psychologist to help determine what assistance might be available to you. This could include the referral to an ADHD support group in your local area or an eligibility test for government-funded schemes like Access to Work.
What happens during an assessment?
Making a correct diagnosis of ADHD is one of the first steps to gain control over the symptoms that could cause significant problems in many settings, from home to work. An evaluation usually includes a thorough interview conducted by a skilled professional and a variety of psychometric tests. The results can be used to determine the extent to which symptoms affect an individual and whether or not they are caused by medical conditions or any other causes.
A thorough evaluation involves gathering information on the person's past, specifically when symptoms first started and how long they have been present. In addition to analyzing the current effects of ADHD symptoms, the professional will be interested in how the symptoms have affected their lives in general as well as in major settings such as school, work and relationships. This will be based on the definition of impairment that will consider if the individual has been dismissed due to their difficulties with time management or placed on academic probation because of poor grades.
An interview will be conducted by a seasoned psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is qualified to perform ADHD assessments. Professionals may use different materials and procedures, but certain protocols are required for a complete assessment. These include a detailed clinical interview as well as standardized rating scales to assess ADHD and other forms of psychometric testing. In some cases specialists will administer a series of tests designed to detect ADHD and other disorders like anxiety disorders or learning disabilities.
If adhd in adults diagnosis of how to begin or have questions about finding the right health specialist, it's best to ask your personal doctor or visit a local mental health clinic for suggestions. Many adult ADHD support groups are in a position to provide you with information about qualified professionals close to you. Some health insurance plans have specialists who are certified and can assist you in finding the right specialist for your evaluation.