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 to remove the stigma surrounding the condition. For many, getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event.
A diagnosis on the NHS begins with a specialist evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychological professional (as per Nice guidelines). It will be a 45-90 minute consultation.
Getting an answer to a question
ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards getting control of the issues that can have a devastating impact on your daily life, both 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 excessive spending, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Accurate diagnosis is possible through a structured assessment of your clinical condition with a qualified Consultant Psychiatrist.
You may self-refer to a psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD or you can be recommended by your GP. The process will differ depending on the option you select. If you self-refer you may have to pay for the assessment on your own, known as going private. If your GP recommends you, it's free.
In a lengthy interview with you the psychiatrist will go over the history of your symptoms. They will also request feedback from people who are familiar with you, including parents, teachers and colleagues. During the interview, you will be asked to evaluate your symptoms in relation to your everyday functioning. They will also inquire about any recent issues, such as relationships or work issues. They will also ask about any mental health issues that you might have.
Your GP will refer you to the NHS for an ADHD assessment. The test will typically include an hour-long meeting with psychiatrist or a specialist nurse and ADHD questionnaires. Certain NHS doctors will arrange for additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing as required.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you suffer from ADHD, they will refer you to a specialist service for further assessment and an appropriate prescription for medication. You can also request a referral to an individual clinic, such as Priory which has specialists with years of experience diagnosing adult ADHD and providing effective treatment for the condition.
However, NHS services are stretched and it can be difficult to obtain a referral for an assessment, especially if your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD. GPs who have little knowledge of adult ADHD might not be able to provide the assistance and support you need, while some may even refuse to diagnose it. You can help improve your chances of a speedy thorough evaluation by taking action to raise awareness and by making sure you choose the correct GP to refer you to.
Medication
The medications can assist those suffering from ADHD to focus better, be more calm and be less in a state of impulsivity. They work by increasing certain brain chemical. The stimulants, like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, are most often prescribed. Other medications like atomoxetine which is a non-stimulant and antidepressants, such as bupropion, can be prescribed when stimulants fail to work or cause severe adverse effects.
Certain people suffering from ADHD find that changes to diet or supplements can improve their symptoms. However, these methods should only be tried under the guidance of a medical professional and with the guidance of an experienced dietitian. These methods have not been proved to be effective and should not be used in place of a medical treatment.
The most frequently used treatment for ADHD in adults and children is medication. It is important that people suffering from ADHD do not stop taking their medication without consulting a physician's advice. If you stop taking your medication too soon or if you do not use it in a proper manner, you can be afflicted with serious and sometimes fatal adverse effects.
In addition to medications therapy is also an effective method to manage ADHD symptoms. Psychological counselling, also known as psychotherapy, can assist adolescents, children and adults to accept their diagnosis and become comfortable with it. Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change their negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Marital and family counselling is beneficial for people with ADHD, as it can help them deal with the difficulties that arise in their relationships.
Despite the difficulties, many people with ADHD have success at work and in their relationships. The disorder can cause problems in education and careers however it can also help people get a different view of the world. For instance the impulsiveness and hyperactivity of ADHD can enable people to notice details that others miss, which can help them become more successful in creative fields.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to see your GP and have a candid and frank discussion about your symptoms. Bring any notes you've written regarding your symptoms as well as examples of how these have affected your everyday life. The doctor will then decide whether to send you for an NHS evaluation or to a different mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. If you live in England, you have the right to select your NHS mental health provider.
Therapy
ADHD symptoms may present differently in adults, and this could make it difficult to determine a diagnosis. You can find an ADHD specialist online, or in a few instances, a general physician will be willing to recommend one to you. However it's not always the case, and waiting times are usually long, particularly if you live in England or Wales where NHS guidelines require them to provide an ADHD service. You can also pay for an appointment with a private doctor and treatment. There are risks however, since many GPs do not prescribe medication even if they've diagnosed you privately.
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis can be lengthy and often difficult for adults to get an assessment than children. It's because people with ADHD symptoms are usually viewed as "problematic" or "failures".
However, there are some important gatekeepers in the healthcare system that are able to assist patients access diagnosis and treatment. They include teachers and youth center workers, social workers, and police officers. They are in regular contact with many young people and are better at identifying signs than their parents. They may be hindered by their own biases. For example, they may overemphasize the importance of a poor diet and the home environment in causing ADHD symptoms.
It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood if you're multi-neurodivergent (such as having both ADHD and autism) or if your mental health has been previously diagnosed. These conditions can coexist and make it difficult to know which one you're suffering from.
Fortunately, the NHS has introduced a new way to conduct ADHD assessments that is designed to cut down on waiting times. It's called the "right to choose" method that allows you to choose your personal therapist for an assessment funded by the NHS. If you live in England and you are eligible, obtaining an ADHD assessment is simpler than ever before.
Support
In a recent survey ADHD Aware discovered that those who have been diagnosed with the condition may have a difficult time dealing with the issue. Many people report feeling like failures or that they do not deserve treatment. Some are unsure of how to manage their symptoms and could struggle with family or work life. They may also be misunderstood by those around them and can even lose their jobs due to this.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to recognise and understand, which means that they are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders. This can cause people to receive unsuitable treatment, such as antidepressants that can cause serious side effects. It is essential to speak with a GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know might suffer from ADHD. They can refer you and schedule a test. The results of the test could aid in determining whether medication or treatment is needed.
Adults with ADHD need to have access to quality support services. This is because the condition could create significant issues in all areas of their lives, from academic achievement to relationships and career development. It can also cause anxiety and depression. However, NHS trusts struggle to provide adequate services. Some NHS trusts are unable meet the demand and have long waiting times.
It is not always easy for a GP to refer adults with ADHD to the local NHS mental health service. You can ask your GP to exercise your right to choose and recommend you to a service in the private sector if you want to speed up the process. This could be a faster and more cost-effective option.
See if there are waiting lists for ADHD assessments in your area. The longer the wait longer, the more difficult it is for you to receive a diagnosis and receive treatment. It is also advisable to talk to a psychologist who specialises in the condition or asking your GP for a referral to one. They might website be able to examine you more quickly than psychiatrists.