ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Many adults seek an ADHD assessment because they feel something isn't quite right. They may be concerned about their relationships or work.
According to the current NHS guidelines for England and Wales, you are entitled to a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will follow NICE guidelines and may ask for observers' reports from those who know you, specifically as you were a child.
What is ADHD assessment?
Your child or you can find out whether they suffer from ADHD by undergoing an ADHD assessment. You will be questioned by an accredited specialist psychiatrist or psychologist, who are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They may use a number of methods to assess your symptoms, including checklists and behavior rating scales, and interview those who know you well. They may also request an exam of your body and a medical history to rule out other conditions that could mimic ADHD like anxiety or depression.
It is important to be honest in your assessment. If you're not honest, the evaluator may conclude that you're not serious about getting a diagnosis or that your symptoms aren't like they're that serious. During the evaluation, you'll likely be asked about your family and personal history of mental health and any difficulties in school or work. You may be asked for a questionnaire or to complete an assessment of your behavior. It is also important to pay attention to the test.
To be diagnosed to be eligible for a diagnosis, you must exhibit at least six symptoms of ADHD that manifest in two or more settings such as school and home, and affect your daily life. These symptoms must have appeared in childhood before 12 years of age and cannot be explained by other conditions, like anxiety or depression. You may be referred to your GP or an independent psychiatrist that specializes in treating ADHD to receive treatment.
If you decide to go the private route, you'll likely discover that the wait is significantly shorter than the NHS. On the NHS, it's not unusual to wait over one year. This can be extremely stressful for those who are struggling. Some people who were on the waiting list for NHS committed suicide as a result of the stress and frustration of waiting. Private therapy usually allows you to start treatment in a short time, and the majority of private psychiatrists have a lot of experience in treating adults with ADHD. They are also able to screen and treat co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression.
Why do I need an assessment?
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD or you are experiencing problems in your daily routine that could be caused by it, you should undergo an assessment by a professional psychiatrist. This is best done by a specialist psychiatrist who is well-versed in neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD. Psychotherapists and psychologists can also perform this type of assessment. If you're unsure of which one to choose, you can ask your physician for a recommendation or another therapy provider you've met. You can also search the web for professionals in your area with good reputations. Some insurance plans provide lists of professionals who are certified.
A structured interview and questions will form part of the process for a complete clinical diagnosis. The main focus will be on your symptoms in your current family, work and social context. The psychiatrist will inquire about your experiences with symptoms as a child and adolescent and will then focus on the impact your symptoms have had in adulthood. They will also test for other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on who you are and the circumstances, they might ask for information about your family and friends. You might also be asked to bring old school documents or reports to be examined. This can be a stressful process as it is difficult to recall all the details of your childhood or the adolescence.
If you are part of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming, the process may be more difficult. In the UK for example the people of color, GNCs and females aren't diagnosed with ADHD even if their symptoms are obvious. It isn't easy to obtain a proper diagnosis. However, your GP may recommend you to a private doctor such as a Priory Hospital or a Wellbeing Centre to conduct an assessment. You can also sign an agreement on shared-care with your GP to simplify the process. However, not all GPs will be able to do this.
How do I get an assessment?
Your doctor is your primary health healthcare provider and is best placed to refer you for an assessment. Alternatively, you can contact a private specialist such as Priory and schedule an appointment on your own. Priory's specialist psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and provide a variety 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 found on your portal dashboard. The questionnaires should be completed 24 hours prior to the appointment. They are designed to highlight behaviours that could be indicative of ADHD. Your GP will then make arrangements for an onward referral to a commissioned adult ADHD service.
If you live in a region that offers this service, the local mental health service usually provides it. They will conduct a thorough mental and psychiatric examination and will also look at other conditions such as anxiety and depression that may sometimes resemble ADHD symptoms.
Be sure to provide details of any mental health issues that you might have or have experienced in the past. These can affect your ability to be assessed for ADHD. It can also be helpful to bring any feedback or reports from educational instructors, supervisors and colleagues and also details of any support you receive at home (for example, an GP service or a non-profit organization such as EmployAbility).
Once the psychiatrist has completed your assessment, they will discuss their findings with you. If they determine that you have ADHD they'll give you a care plan that may include suggestions for medication. The care plan will include any other assistance they believe you could benefit from, such as the recommendation to counseling or talk therapy.
We understand that it can be difficult to receive the help you need when your health or social medical needs are complex. This is why we provide an anonymous, free call with an assistant psychologist to help determine what assistance might be available to you. This could include a referral to an ADHD support group in your area or an eligibility test for government-funded programs like Access to Work.
What happens during a test?
Getting adhd in adults diagnosis of ADHD is one of the first steps towards gaining control over the symptoms that could cause serious problems in a variety of settings, from the home to work. An extensive interview with an experienced professional and various psychometric tests are typically part of an evaluation. The results can be used to determine how the symptoms affect a person and if they are the result of medical conditions or any other causes.
A comprehensive assessment includes gathering detailed information on the person's past, such as the date when symptoms first began to manifest and how long they last. The specialist will also want to know the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's life in general, which includes school, work, and relationships. This will be determined by a definition of impairment that will consider whether the person has lost their job as a result of their difficulties with time management, suffered from excessive conflict and distress in their relationship or been placed on academic probation for poor grades.
An interview will be conducted by a seasoned psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is qualified to perform ADHD tests. Professionals may employ different techniques and materials, however certain protocols are necessary for a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed interview and standardized scores for ADHD and other psychometric tests. In some cases, the specialist will give several tests that are specifically designed to detect ADHD symptoms as well as other conditions like learning disabilities or anxiety disorders.
A consultation with your doctor or visiting a local mental health clinic could be beneficial if are unsure of where to start or have any questions about the best health care professional. Many support groups for people with ADHD can also be able to provide information about highly qualified professionals in your region. Some health insurance plans have qualified professionals by specialty and can assist you in finding an appropriate specialist to conduct your assessment.