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ADHD Diagnosis in Adults UK If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may be suffering from it, talk to your GP. Highly recommended Resource site will take your concerns very seriously and refer you to a service that could help. An NHS assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse. They will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. They will also try to rule out other disorders like anxiety or depression. Symptoms A person suffering from ADHD might have trouble focusing on a task or maintaining their focus. They often lose things that are necessary for their work or daily activities (for example, school materials, tools keys and wallets, papers, eyeglasses). They are unable to follow instructions and keep the track of time, and have trouble finishing work. They also struggle to wait for their turn in games or conversations. They can interrupt other people and talk too much, or make careless errors. They often fidget and tap their feet or hands or squirm their seat. In the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, a person is always “on the go,” and they have problems sitting still or playing quietly. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and can become easily angry or overwhelmed. They have difficulty making and keeping friends. They are often late to appointments and have trouble planning and organising. They could have poor eating habits, like skipping meals or choosing high-calorie foods. A mental health professional uses different tests to determine if a person suffers from ADHD. These tests include psychological assessments as well as physical examinations and interviews with their partner or family members and teachers as well as work colleagues. They will ask questions about how their symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have been present since childhood. They might want to inquire about their old school records or talk to their parents, teachers or other relatives who knew them in their early years. The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere in work or social relationships. Moderate symptoms can affect those areas but do not cause a negative impact on the individual's life. Extreme symptoms can have a major negative impact on someone's academic, social and professional life, and can be extremely disruptive to their lives. Adults suffering from ADHD are eligible for the same treatment as children. The most effective treatment is stimulant medication. frequently prescribed. Examples of these medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym), dexamphetamine (Dexadrine) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Psychological therapy includes cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques. Diagnosis The diagnosis of ADHD is not usually straightforward for adults. Many adults experience a long wait for an assessment, which can be stressful and anxious. It is possible that they are not being understood by the professionals who evaluate them, especially if those professionals have an anti-ADHD bias and do not understand that symptoms of ADHD can be seen in adults. The correct diagnosis can help determine the best treatment options and support for adult ADHD. To diagnose ADHD, health care professionals or mental health specialists will require information from a variety of sources. This includes interviews, questionnaires, and feedback from those who know the person well. They will also search for other conditions that have similar symptoms. In addition the health professional will review the patient's medical history and family history to determine if any physical or mental illnesses are present. For children, a physician or specialist might use questionnaires that are completed by the child's teachers and caretakers and observations in the school. They may also conduct a cognitive test and screen for learning difficulties. They also look for conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression, or abuse of substances. A diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult for adults, because the symptoms tend to change with time. Generally, the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive behavior are less problematic when you reach adulthood, whereas inattention symptoms continue to be more difficult to manage. Furthermore, those with ADHD frequently have a difficult time in the workplace and maintaining healthy relationships. They may have trouble keeping a job, following corporate guidelines, and meeting deadlines. Spending on impulse can result in financial issues and debt. Adults who suspect they have ADHD should talk to their doctor, who will refer them to a psychiatrist for an assessment. The process could take some time, since NHS services are not as effective in their ability to diagnose ADHD and there are many people who need assistance. If doctors are unable diagnose ADHD or do not recognize the symptoms and signs, it is crucial to seek out a psychiatrist with experience with adult ADHD. Patients who do not wish to wait for NHS tests should consider private healthcare. It's usually faster and more convenient. Treatment The main reason people seek an ADHD assessment is that their symptoms are causing problems at work and in relationships. This includes frequent disciplinary actions at work, issues at college or in school and ongoing marital or relationships issues. Many of these problems can be solved by medications and lifestyle changes. In certain cases psychotherapy may also be helpful. The use of stimulant drugs is a popular treatment option for people suffering from ADHD, but people can also try non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine or melatonin to control their symptoms. It is important to try every treatment option to determine which one works best for you. In the UK the majority of people with ADHD are treated by the NHS. However the system is currently facing ever-growing pressures, with demand outstripping capacity. This has led to long waiting times for ADHD evaluations. A recent BBC investigation revealed that ADHD patients in England are waiting up to two years for an assessment. The long wait times are a major cause for anxiety. The NHS attempts to ration services based on criteria such as severity of symptoms, impairment and risks. This approach can be dangerous because it can result in patients being discriminated against or even excluded. To avoid this problem individuals should ask their GP for an appointment at a specialist clinic that diagnoses adult ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions. They should explain their symptoms to the GP and it could be beneficial to have some knowledge of adult ADHD prior to the appointment to help prepare for the appointment. If your GP sends you to a specialist ADHD clinic, you'll consult with psychiatrist. They will evaluate your condition. They will take into consideration your personal and family history and any problems that your symptoms could be causing. They will also look at the impact on your work well-being and health. Your physician may suggest that you start taking medication. They might recommend other treatments, such as psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments. They may recommend that you alter your diet or exercise regularly to improve your energy and focus. They may also recommend an expert career counselor to assist with managing your time, or a counsellor who can help you learn coping techniques for emotional distress and interpersonal issues. Support Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood. Many with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time and have compensated for them as they grew older by working harder or studying to compensate for their inability to concentrate in class or taking risks to avoid the consequences of acting impulsively. As adults, they might be faced with more responsibilities like managing a household and raising children or even trying to pursue a career. This could add more stress and demands to their lives. This can increase the intensity of symptoms, leading to being overwhelmed and unhappy. Due to the growing demand for ADHD assessments and the limited capacity, the NHS is currently experiencing lengthy waiting times. In the near future it is likely that NHS will adopt a “rationing” approach in which patients are allocated an appointment depending on various factors like the severity of their symptoms as well as the extent to which their problems impact their daily lives. This is a controversial concept that could lead to certain groups of patients be disadvantaged, e.g. patients with comorbid illnesses. The use of impairment or symptom scales can be used to ration treatment, however certain patients may exaggerate the severity of their symptoms in order to meet the requirements. An alternative that is more sensible is to come up with a standard that all need to adhere to. This would improve consistency and ensure that all patients receive the same level of service. If you suspect you may have ADHD you should to talk to your GP. They're not able to diagnose you in a formal manner however, they can send you for an assessment by an expert psychiatrist. You can request a quicker referral if you have long wait lists. This is possible because of your “right to select”, which allows you to choose the NHS agency that will take care of you. Private mental health providers offer ADHD assessments. The procedure is similar to the one of the NHS and will include a one-off consultation with a qualified psychiatrist. They will be aware of your concerns and conduct a thorough psychological examination, gathering information from symptom checklists and behavioural rating scales. The doctor will determine if you suffer from ADHD and discuss the treatment options.