ADHD Diagnosis - Celebrities Help Remove the Stigma
Celebrities such as Simone Biles and Adam Levine have shared their experiences with ADHD helping to dispel the stigma associated with the condition. For many, being 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 as per Nice guidelines). This will involve a 45 to 90 minute interview.
Finding an accurate diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis is the first step to getting control of the issues that can have a devastating impact on your daily life, both at home and at work. Whether you are constantly losing your keys, struggling to complete tasks at work or arguing with family members about your spending habits, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. A precise diagnosis is achievable through a structured clinical assessment with an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist.
You can either self-refer or get referred by your GP to visit a psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD However, the process will be different depending on the route you take. You may need to pay for your own assessment when you self-refer. This is known as going private. If your doctor recommends you, it's free.
The psychiatrist will go over the causes of your symptoms with you during a thorough interview, and they will also ask for feedback from other people who know you well, including family members, teachers and colleagues. During the interview, they'll ask you to assess how your symptoms affect your daily life in a variety of settings. They will also look into any recent issues, including relationships or work issues. They will also inquire about any mental health concerns that you may be suffering from.
Your doctor will then refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. The assessment will typically include an hour-long discussion and ADHD questionnaires with an expert psychiatrist or nurse. Some NHS clinicians may arrange for additional testing for neuropsychological or learning disability testing.
If your doctor agrees that you suffer from ADHD and is able to identify it, they will refer you to a specialist service for further assessment and the prescription for medication if needed. You could also ask for the referral to a private clinic like Priory, who have consultants with extensive experience of diagnosing adult ADHD and providing effective treatment for the condition.
However, NHS services are stretched and it can be difficult to get a referral an assessment, particularly if your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD. GPs with little understanding of adult ADHD might not be able to provide you with the help and support you require, while some may even refuse to diagnose it. By raising awareness and choosing the right GP, you can improve your chances of getting a thorough evaluation.
Medication
Medicines can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel more calm. They help by boosting certain brain chemical. Stimulants, such lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, are usually prescribed. Other medications such as Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant and antidepressants like bupropion may be prescribed when stimulants fail to perform or cause serious adverse effects.
Some people with ADHD discover that changing their diet or taking supplements can help alleviate their symptoms. These methods should be used only under medical supervision and with the guidance of an experienced dietitian. There is no evidence that these treatments work, and they should not be used as a substitute for professional treatment.
Medication is the most popular treatment for ADHD in both adults and children. People suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication unless advised to do so by a doctor. Medicines can have serious, and sometimes life-threatening, side effects if it is stopped too quickly or if it is not taken as directed.
In addition to medication therapy is also an effective method to manage ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy, also known as psychological counselling, can help adults, teenagers, and children accept their diagnosis and learn how to deal with them. Cognitive therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people to change their negative thoughts and behaviours into positive ones. Adults with ADHD can benefit from marital and family counselling, diagnosis of adhd which can help them deal with the challenges they face in their relationships.
Despite the challenges they face, a lot of people who suffer from ADHD are happy at work and in relationships. The disorder can cause issues in education and careers however, it can also assist people to develop a unique view of the world. For instance the impulsiveness and hyperactivity of ADHD can help people notice details that others miss and can help them succeed in their creative fields.
To receive a diagnosis, you should first visit your GP to have a full discussion about your symptoms. It's recommended to bring any notes you've made about your symptoms and also examples of how they've affected your daily routine. The doctor will then decide whether to send you to an NHS evaluation or to a different mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. If you live in England you can select the NHS mental healthcare provider you want.
Therapy
Adult ADHD symptoms can present differently which makes it difficult to identify. You can search online for an ADHD specialist, or your general practitioner might refer you to. However it's not always the situation, and waiting times are usually lengthy, especially when you reside in England or Wales where NHS guidelines require them to provide an ADHD service. Alternatively, you can pay for an independent diagnosis and treatment. There are risks, however, as many GPs don't prescribe medications when they've already diagnosed you privately.
It takes some time to receive an ADHD diagnosis, and adults often have a more difficult time obtaining one than children. This is because adults who have ADHD symptoms are often viewed as "problematic" or "failures".
There are a few crucial gatekeepers within the healthcare system who can help people access diagnosis and treatment. They include teachers as well as youth center workers, social workers and police officers. They have regular contact with many young people and may be more able to recognize signs than their parents. They can be hampered by their own prejudices. For instance they may not be able to emphasize the importance of a poor diet and the home environment in causing ADHD symptoms.
It can be challenging to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, especially if you're multi-neurodivergent (such as having both ADHD and autism) or if your mental health was previously diagnosed. These conditions can overlap, making it hard to determine which one you're suffering from.
Fortunately, the NHS has introduced a new pathway for ADHD assessments that is designed to decrease waiting times. The "right to choice" pathway allows you to select your own therapist to conduct an NHS-funded assessment. This means that if you're living in England it will be easier to obtain an ADHD assessment as opposed to the past.
Support
In a recent study, ADHD Aware discovered that adults who are diagnosed with the condition may be extremely frustrated. Many people report that it makes them feel like a failure or that they aren't worthy of treatment. Others are confused about how to manage their symptoms and struggle with family or work life. They may also be misunderstood and lose their job as a result.
Adults may have trouble comprehending and recognizing the signs of ADHD which is why they are often misdiagnosed as having other mental illnesses. This could lead to incorrect treatment, like antidepressants that can cause severe side consequences. It is essential to speak with an GP if you suspect that you or someone you know may have ADHD. They can refer you and arrange a test. The results of the test will determine if medication or treatment is required.
Adults suffering from ADHD need to have access to quality support services. This is because the condition can create significant issues in all areas of their lives, from academic performance to relationships and career progression. It can also cause depression and anxiety. Yet the fact that many NHS trusts struggle to provide adequate services. Certain NHS trusts aren't able to meet the demand and have long waiting times.
It takes a long time for a doctor to refer patients suffering from ADHD to the local NHS mental health service. If you'd like speed up the process, you can inquire with your GP about exercising your right to choose and request that they refer you to a private practitioner. This can be an easier and more cost-effective solution.
It is worth looking up the waiting lists in your area to see what the waiting times are for ADHD tests. The longer you are waiting longer, the more difficult it will be to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist psychologist. They might be able to evaluate your situation faster than a psychiatrist.