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 might be concerned about their job or relationships.
According to the current NHS guidelines for England and Wales you are entitled to be diagnosed with ADHD. Your specialist will adhere to NICE guidelines and will also seek out observer reports from people who know you, particularly as an infant.
What is an ADHD assessment?
Getting an ADHD assessment is the first step to knowing whether you or your child is suffering from this condition. You will be questioned and diagnosed by an accredited psychologist or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals in the UK that are certified to diagnose ADHD. They may employ a variety of methods to evaluate your symptoms, including checklists and scales for assessing behavior and also interview people who are familiar with you. They might also request your medical history and physical examination to rule out conditions like depression or anxiety disorder that could mimic ADHD.
It's important to be honest and candid when you're evaluating. If you're not honest, the evaluator may conclude that you're not serious about obtaining an assessment or that your symptoms aren't that severe. During the assessment you will likely be asked to provide details about your personal history with mental health and the history of your family members, as well any difficulties at school or at work. You may be required to fill out a questionnaire or complete a behavioral rating scale and you'll likely be asked be aware of what you're doing during the assessment.
To be diagnosed you must show at least six symptoms of ADHD that manifest in more than one place such as school and home, and affect your daily life. The symptoms must have begun in your early childhood, prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression. You could be referred back to your GP for treatment, or you could decide to consult an independent psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD.
You'll find that waiting times are much shorter if opting to go private. On the NHS, it's not unusual to wait over an entire year. This can be devastating for those who are struggling. Some of those on the waiting list have even committed suicide due to the fact that they could not stand the frustration and anxiety of waiting for an assessment. Private treatment lets you begin treatment quickly. Private psychiatrists are generally adept at treating adults with ADHD. They can also screen for and treat co-morbidities like anxiety or depression.
Why do I require an assessment?
If you believe that you may have ADHD or are experiencing issues in your life caused by it, you will need a professional mental health assessment. This is best done by an experienced psychiatrist who is well-versed in neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD. There are psychologists and psychotherapists who are able to perform this type of assessment. If you're not sure which one to pick the best option is to ask for recommendations from your physician or another therapist you have met. You can also search on the internet for local professionals with a good track record. Some insurance plans provide lists of professionals who are certified.
The process of obtaining a clinical diagnosis will include questions and a formal interview with the specialist. The primary focus of the consultation will be your symptoms in a current work, family and social setting. The psychiatrist will ask you about your experiences with symptoms as a child and adolescent however, they will also focus on the impact your symptoms have had in adulthood. They will also assess whether you suffer from any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on the professional and the conditions, they might request information from your close family and friends. It is not unusual for them to request that you bring old school reports or other documents for review. This can be a stressful part of the process, as it can be difficult to remember specifics concerning your experiences in adolescence or childhood.
If you are part of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming, the procedure can be more difficult. In the UK, for example there is still discrimination against people of colour GNCs, females and others being diagnosed with ADHD even though the symptoms are clear. This can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis however, it is possible for doctors to refer you a private specialist such as a Wellbeing Centre or Priory Hospital to conduct an evaluation. It is also possible to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP for medications, which can make the process a lot simpler, but not all GPs are willing accept this.
How do adult diagnosis of adhd have an assessment completed?
Your primary healthcare provider is your GP, and they are the ideal person to refer you to an evaluation. You can also contact a private specialist, like Priory, and arrange an appointment. Priory's expert psychiatrics have years of experience diagnosing ADHD in adults and can provide a variety of treatment options.
If your GP decides to refer you, they'll ask you and a close family member or friend to fill out a few questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can be found on your portal dashboard and must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. These are designed to highlight behaviors that may indicate ADHD. Your doctor will make the referral to an adult ADHD service.
If you reside in a region that offers this service, your local mental health team typically conducts it. They will conduct a thorough mental health and psychiatric evaluation, including looking at other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
It is important to disclose any other mental health issues that you have or have been previously diagnosed in your family, because they can impact your ability to be evaluated for ADHD. Also, you can provide any feedback or reports from your educational tutors or supervisors as well as your colleagues. Additionally, you can give details of any assistance that you receive at home, for example through a GP or non-profit organization like EmployAbility.
The psychiatrist will share their findings with you after they've completed the assessment. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they'll provide a care plan that may include medication recommendations. The care plan will include any other assistance they believe you would benefit from, such as the recommendation to talk therapy or coaching.
We recognise that it can be difficult to get the assistance you require if your health or social healthcare needs are complex. We offer a confidential, no-cost call with an assistant psychology to help you discover the available support. This could include a 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 an assessment?
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms, which can cause problems in a variety of situations ranging from the workplace to home. An evaluation usually includes an extensive interview conducted by an experienced professional and various forms of psychometric tests. This information can help to determine the underlying causes of the symptoms for the person and whether they are a result of other medical conditions or issues.
A comprehensive assessment involves gathering information on the person's background, especially when the symptoms began and the length of time they have been present. The doctor will also want to understand the impact of ADHD symptoms on the individual's life in general, which includes work, school, and relationships. This will be based upon a definition of impairment which considers if the person has been dismissed due to their difficulties with time management or placed on academic probation for poor grades.
An interview will be conducted by a skilled psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to conduct ADHD tests. While professionals may differ slightly in the methods and materials they use, certain protocols are considered essential to conduct a thorough assessment. They include a thorough clinical interview and standardized rating scales for ADHD and various other types of psychometric testing. In some cases, the specialist will give an array of tests that are specifically designed to detect ADHD symptoms and other conditions, such as learning disabilities or anxiety disorders.
If you're not sure where to start or have questions about finding the right health care professional, it's often helpful to speak with your physician or visit the local mental health clinic for recommendations. Many adult ADHD support groups will be capable of providing you with details about professionals who are qualified near you. Some health insurance plans list specialists who are certified and can help you find the right specialist to conduct your assessment.