ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Many adults are seeking an ADHD assessment because they feel something is not quite right. They may have concerns about their work or relationships.
According to the current NHS guidelines for England and Wales you are entitled to be diagnosed with ADHD. Your specialist will follow NICE Guidelines and will 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 have ADHD by undergoing an ADHD assessment. You will be questioned by an accredited specialist psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They may employ checklists or behavior ratings scales in order to determine your symptoms. They might also interview those who know you. They might also request your medical history and a physical examination to rule out other conditions like depression or anxiety disorder that can mimic ADHD.
It is essential to be honest and forthright in your evaluation. If you're not truthful, the examiner might think that you're not serious about getting a diagnosis or that your symptoms don't seem to be that severe. During the assessment you'll probably be asked about your family and personal history of mental health and any problems at school or work. You may be required to fill out an assessment questionnaire or fill out an assessment scale for your behavioral health and you'll have to pay attention to the actions you're taking during your assessment.
To get a diagnosis you must show at least six signs of ADHD that are present in more than one place like school and home and disrupt your life. These symptoms must have started 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 to your GP or an independent psychiatrist that specializes with ADHD to receive treatment.
If you decide to take the private route, you'll discover that the wait is significantly less than the NHS. On the NHS, it's not unusual to wait over one year. This can be a huge burden for those who are struggling. Some people who were on the NHS waiting list committed suicide as a result of the stress and frustration of waiting. Private therapy typically allows you to begin treatment in a short time, and the majority of private psychiatrists have years of experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can also look for and treat co-morbidities, such as depression or anxiety.
What is the reason I need an assessment?
If you think you might have ADHD or are experiencing issues in your life that are caused by it, you will need an assessment by a professional psychiatrist. This is best done by a specialist psychiatrist who is familiar with neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD. However, there are psychotherapists and psychologists who can do this type of assessment. If you're not sure which therapist to choose you can ask your general practitioner to recommend a therapist you know. You can also search the internet to find specialists in your area that have 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 a complete clinical diagnosis. The main focus will be on your symptoms within the present work, family and social context. The psychiatrist will ask you about the history of your 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 may request details about your family and friends. It is also not unusual for them to ask you to bring old school reports or other documents to look over. This can be a stressful part of the process as it may be difficult to recall details about your struggles in adolescence or childhood.
If you're part of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming, the process can be more difficult. In the UK, for example there is still discrimination against people of color gender non-conforming (GNCs) and females being diagnosed with ADHD, even if the symptoms are clear. This can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis however, it is possible for doctors to refer you an individual specialist like a Wellbeing Centre or Priory Hospital for an assessment. You can also sign an agreement on shared-care with your GP to simplify the process. However it is not the case for all GPs to take this step.
How do I get an assessment?
Your doctor is your primary health care provider and is best placed to refer you for an assessment. You can also call an individual specialist, such as Priory and make an appointment. Priory's specialist psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can provide a 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. They can be accessed through your portal dashboard. They must be completed 24 hours before the appointment. They are designed to highlight behavior that could be indicative of ADHD. Your doctor will make an appointment with an adult ADHD service.
If you live in an area that offers this service, your local mental health team usually provides it. They will conduct a comprehensive mental and psychiatric assessment and will also look at other disorders like depression and anxiety that can sometimes resemble ADHD symptoms.
It is important to disclose any other mental health issues that you're suffering from, or that have been diagnosed previously in your family, because they can affect your ability to be evaluated for ADHD. Also, you can bring any feedback or reports from your tutors, supervisors, and colleagues. Also, you can provide information about any help that you receive at home, for example through your GP or non-profit organization like EmployAbility.
The psychiatrist will discuss the results with you once they've completed their evaluation. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD they will give you a plan of care which may include prescriptions for medication. The care plan will provide any other support they feel would be helpful for you, like providing you with information on therapy sessions or coaching.
We understand that it may be challenging to get the help you need when your health or social medical needs are complex. We offer a confidential, free call with an assistant psychology to help you find out the available support. This could include the referral to an ADHD support group in your local area or an assessment of eligibility for government-funded programs such as Access to Work.
What happens during the course of a test?
Making a correct diagnosis of ADHD is among the first steps towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause serious problems in a variety of settings, from the home to work. An extensive interview with an experienced professional and a variety of 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.
A thorough assessment requires collecting detailed information about the person's history, particularly when the symptoms began and how long they've been present. The specialist will also want to understand the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's life in general, including work, school and relationships. This will be based upon a definition of impairment which considers if the person was fired due to their difficulties with time management or put on academic probation because of poor grades.
adhd diagnosis uk adult qualified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist qualified to evaluate ADHD will conduct an interview. Professionals may employ different techniques and materials, however certain protocols are essential for a complete assessment. This includes a thorough interview, standardized ratings for ADHD and other psychometric tests. In some instances the doctor will conduct an array of tests that are specifically designed to identify 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 can be helpful if you aren't sure where to start or have questions about the best health care professional. Many support groups for adults with ADHD are also capable of providing information about qualified professionals in your area. Some health insurance plans provide a list of qualified professionals classified by area of expertise to help you locate the best professional for your evaluation.