ADHD Diagnosis - Celebrities Help Remove the Stigma
Celebrities like Simone Biles and Adam Levine have spoken out about their experiences with ADHD and have helped to break down the stigma that surrounds the condition. For many, getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event.
An NHS diagnosis starts by a specialist examination with either psychologist or psychiatrist (as as per Nice guidelines). It will be a 45-90 minute consultation.
Making a diagnosis
The first step to control symptoms of ADHD can be to diagnose it. This will help you get control of your home life and work. It is crucial to get the right diagnosis when you're constantly losing keys, struggling at work to complete tasks or disputing with your family about your impulse purchases. A precise diagnosis is achievable through a structured clinical assessment with an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist.
You can choose to self-refer or be referred by your GP to consult a psychiatrist that specializes in adult ADHD, but the process will differ according to the method you choose to take. If you self-refer you may need to pay for the test yourself by referring to it as going private. If you're referred by your GP, it is free.
In a lengthy interview with you, the psychiatrist will go over your symptoms and history. They will also request feedback from people familiar with you, such as parents, teachers and colleagues. During the interview, they'll ask you to assess how your symptoms impact on your everyday functioning in a variety of settings. They will also look into any problems that have occurred recently for example, issues with relationships or work. They will also ask you about any co-existing mental health issues you may have.
Your doctor will then refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. The test will typically include a 45-90 minute meeting with a specialist nurse or psychiatrist, as well as ADHD questionnaires. Certain NHS clinicians will arrange for additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities testing if necessary.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you have ADHD and they recommend you to a specialist service for further assessment and the prescription for medication if needed. You can also request a referral to Priory, a private clinic with consultants who have years of experience diagnosing adult ADHD. They will provide efficient treatment.
The NHS is stretched and it can be difficult to refer you for an assessment if your doctor does not know about ADHD. Some doctors may not diagnose adult ADHD if they do not have the required expertise. You can help improve your chances of a speedy thorough evaluation by taking action to raise awareness and ensuring that you choose the correct GP to recommend you to.
Medication
The medications can help people suffering from ADHD to concentrate better, feel calmer and be less impulsive. They do this by boosting certain brain chemicals. Most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate or the lisdexamfetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine which is a non-stimulant and antidepressants like bupropion may be prescribed if stimulants do not perform or cause serious side effects.
Some people with ADHD are able to see that changes in diet or supplements can improve their symptoms. However, these methods should only be considered under medical guidance and with the help of a dietitian. There is no evidence that these methods work, and they should not be used as a substitute for professional treatment.
The most frequently used treatment for ADHD in adults and children is medication. People with ADHD should not stop taking their medication unless they are advised to take it off by a medical professional. Medicines can have dangerous, sometimes life-threatening effects if it is stopped too quickly or not taken properly.
In addition to medications, therapy can also be an effective method to manage ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy, or psychological counselling, can help adults, teens and children accept their diagnosis and learn how to deal with them. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps people change negative thoughts and behaviours to more positive ones. Adults with ADHD may benefit from marital and family counselling, which can help them to deal with the difficulties they face in their relationships.
Despite the difficulties many people with ADHD have success at work and in their relationships. The disorder can cause problems in careers and education, but can also allow people to gain a unique perspective of the world. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness can aid people see things that people overlook. This can allow them to get more success in creative fields.
To receive a diagnosis it is recommended that you first visit your GP to have an open discussion about your symptoms. It's an excellent idea to bring along any notes you have made about your symptoms and also examples of how they've affected your daily life. The doctor decides whether to refer you for an NHS assessment or to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you live in England, you have the right to choose your NHS mental healthcare provider.
Therapy
Adult ADHD symptoms can be different which makes it difficult to diagnose. You can search online for an ADHD specialist or your general physician may refer you. However, this is not always the situation. The waiting times can be long particularly in England and Wales, where NHS guidelines mandate that they provide an ADHD service. Alternatively, you can pay for an independent private diagnosis and treatment. This isn't without risk, however, as many GPs will not prescribe medication if 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 it's not believed that ADHD can develop in adulthood, and also because GPs tend to see those who have ADHD symptoms as "failures" or "problematic".
However, there are crucial gatekeepers within the healthcare system who can help people access diagnosis and treatment. Teachers, social workers, youth workers and police officers are just a few examples of these individuals. They are in regular contact with a lot of young people and are better able to identify symptoms than their parents. They can be hampered by their own biases. For instance they may not be able to emphasize the role of a poor diet and home environments in causing ADHD symptoms.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be difficult if you're multi-neurodivergent, such as having both autism and ADHD or if you've previously been diagnosed with a mental health issue. This is because these conditions can sometimes overlap with each and make it difficult to tell which one you're suffering from.
The NHS has introduced a brand new ADHD assessment path that's designed to reduce the waiting time. It's known as the "right to choose" option, and it enables you to select your personal therapist for an NHS-funded assessment. If you live in England, getting an ADHD assessment should be more straightforward than ever.
Support
In a recent survey ADHD Aware found that adults diagnosed with the condition may have a difficult time dealing with the issue. Many say they feel like a failure or that they don't deserve treatment. Many people aren't sure how to manage their symptoms and may struggle with their job or family. They could also be misunderstood and lose their job due to this.
Adults may have trouble in recognizing and comprehending the symptoms of ADHD and, as a result, they are often misdiagnosed with other mental conditions. This can cause people to be treated in a way that is not appropriate, for example, antidepressants that can cause severe side-effects. It is important to consult an GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know might suffer from ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist and arrange a test to be performed. The results of the test will determine if medication or treatment is required.
It is vital that adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have access to quality support services. This is because the condition could create significant issues throughout their lives, from academic performance to relationships and career advancement. It can also cause anxiety and depression. Yet, many NHS trusts are struggling to provide sufficient services. Certain NHS trusts aren't able to meet demand, and have long waiting times.
It can take a long time for a GP to refer patients suffering from ADHD to the local NHS mental health services. You can request your GP to exercise your right to choice and refer you to a provider in the private sector if you want to accelerate the process. This could be a faster and cost-effective choice.
It is worthwhile to check the waiting lists in your region to determine what the waiting times are for ADHD tests. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to be diagnosed and receive treatment. It is also advisable to talk to a psychologist who specialises in the condition, or asking your GP to refer you to one. They may be able assess you more quickly than psychiatrists.