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ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Many adults are seeking an ADHD assessment because they believe something is not 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 be diagnosed with ADHD. Your specialist will follow NICE Guidelines and will request observer reports from other people who know you well, particularly as a child.
What is an ADHD assessment?
Your child or you can find out whether they suffer from ADHD by undergoing an ADHD assessment. You will be questioned and diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are able to diagnose ADHD. They may employ a variety of methods to assess your symptoms, such as checklists and behavior rating scales, and interview people who know you well. They may also ask for your medical history as well as a physical examination to rule out conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder that may be a symptom of ADHD.
It is essential to be honest and forthright when you're evaluating. If you're not truthful, the examiner may conclude that you're not serious about getting an assessment or that your symptoms aren't to be that severe. In the course of your assessment, you'll likely be asked to share information regarding your history of mental health and those of your family members, as well any difficulties at school or at work. You may be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire or a behavioral scale. You'll also need to be attentive to the test.
You must display at least six signs of ADHD in two or more locations, such as school or at home and they should interfere with your daily routine. These symptoms must have developed in the early years of childhood, prior to age 12, and they can't be explained by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety. You could be referred by your GP or an independent psychiatrist who is specialized in treating ADHD to receive treatment.
You'll notice that waiting times are shorter if opting to go private. On the NHS, it's not unusual to wait more than one year. This can be extremely stressful for those who are struggling. Some people who were on the NHS waiting lists committed suicide as a result of the stress and anxiety of waiting. Private treatment lets you begin treatment immediately. Most private psychiatrists are adept at treating adults with ADHD. They are also able to screen for and treat co-morbidities, like anxiety or depression.
Why do I require an assessment?
If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, or are experiencing problems in your daily routine that could be due to it, you should seek a professional mental assessment. Ideally, this will be performed by a psychiatrist who has worked with neurodevelopmental conditions and ADHD specifically. Psychotherapists and psychologists also do this type of evaluation. If you're unsure of which one to go with it is best to ask for recommendations from your physician or another therapist you have met. You can also search the internet to find professionals in your area with an excellent reputation. Certain insurance plans also offer lists of qualified professionals.
The process of obtaining a clinical diagnosis will involve questions and a structured discussion with the doctor. The primary focus will be on your symptoms within the present work, family and social context. The psychiatrist will inquire about your history of symptoms in your adolescent and childhood and will then focus on the impact your symptoms have had on you in adulthood. They will also check for other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Based on the professional and circumstances, they may seek information from close family and friends. You may also be asked to bring old school documents or reports to be reviewed. This can be a stressful process as it is difficult to remember all the details of your childhood or adolescence.
The process is more difficult if you are an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming (GGN). In the UK, for example there is an underlying stigma against people of color GNCs, females and others being diagnosed with ADHD, even if the symptoms are evident. This can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis but it is also possible for GPs to refer you to an individual specialist like a Wellbeing Centre or Priory Hospital to conduct an assessment. It is also possible to sign an agreement for shared care with your GP for medication which can make the process a lot easier, but not all GPs will take this step.
How do I get an assessment?
Your doctor is your primary health care provider and is the best in the position to refer you to an assessment. You can also call a private specialist such as Priory and make an appointment. Priory's expert psychiatrists have years of experience diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer you an array of treatment options.
If your GP decides that you should be referred to a specialist, they will ask you and a family member or family member (if you have one) to fill out a few questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can be accessed via your portal's dashboard and must be completed at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. They are designed to identify behaviors that could suggest the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will arrange for a referral to an adult ADHD service.
If you reside in a region that offers this service, your local mental health service typically conducts it. They will undertake a comprehensive mental health and psychiatric examination as well as examining other conditions that can sometimes be similar to symptoms of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
It is important to disclose any other mental health problems that you're suffering from, or that have been previously diagnosed in your family, as these could affect your ability to be evaluated 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're receiving at home (for example, an GP service or non-profit organisation like EmployAbility).
Once the psychiatrist has completed the assessment, they will discuss their findings with you. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD, they'll provide an individual care plan that could include recommendations for medication. More will outline any other services they think you could appreciate, for example, a referral to talk therapy or coaching.
We understand that it may be challenging to get the support you require when your health or social care needs are complex. We provide a free, confidential phone consultation with an assistant psychologist to help you determine the available support. This could include a referral to local ADHD support group or an eligibility test for government-funded schemes such as Access to Work.
What happens during a test?
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause problems in a variety of situations ranging from the workplace to your home. A thorough interview conducted by a professional with experience and a variety of psychometric tests are typically part of an evaluation. This information can help identify what symptoms are affecting the individual and whether they are a result of other medical conditions or issues.
A thorough assessment requires gathering information on the person's history, particularly when symptoms first started and how long they've been present. The specialist will also want to know the effect of ADHD symptoms on the person's life in general, including work, school and relationships. This will be determined by a definition of impairment that examines whether the individual has lost their job as a result of their trouble with time management, experienced extreme stress and conflict in their relationship or been placed on academic probation for poor grades.
An experienced psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is qualified to assess ADHD will conduct an interview. Professionals may use different techniques and materials, however certain protocols are essential for a complete assessment. This includes a thorough clinical interview and standardized rating scales for ADHD and various other types of psychometric testing. In some instances the doctor will conduct several tests that are specifically designed to detect ADHD symptoms and other conditions, such as learning disabilities or anxiety disorders.
Consult your doctor or contacting a local mental clinic can be helpful if you are unsure of where to start or have questions about the best health care professional. Many adult ADHD support groups are in a position to provide you with details about professionals who are qualified in your area. Certain health insurance plans offer a list of qualified professionals classified by area of expertise to help you locate the right professional for your evaluation.
