ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Adults often seek ADHD tests because they feel that something isn't just right. They may be concerned about their work or relationships.
According to the current NHS guidelines for England and Wales, you are entitled to be diagnosed with ADHD. Your doctor will follow NICE Guidelines and will also request reports from observer people who know you well, especially as you were a child.
What is an ADHD assessment?
Getting an ADHD assessment is the first step towards knowing if you or your child have this condition. You will be interviewed by an approved specialist psychiatrist or psychologist, who are the only healthcare professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They may employ checklists or behavior ratings scales to assess your symptoms. They might also interview people who are familiar with your symptoms. They may also request an examination of your body and medical background to rule out other conditions that could mimic ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
It's important to be honest and open when you're evaluating. If you don't, the evaluator may conclude that you're not committed to being diagnosed or that your symptoms aren't that bad. During the assessment you will likely be asked to provide information about your personal history with mental health and that of your family, as well any difficulties at school or at work. You might be required to fill out an assessment questionnaire or fill out an assessment scale for your behavioral health and you'll likely be asked to be attentive to the actions you're taking during your assessment.
You must show at least six indicators of ADHD in two or more areas such as school or at home and must be interfering with your daily life. The symptoms must have begun in the early years of childhood, prior to age 12, and they can't be explained by a disorder, like anxiety or depression. You may be referred to your GP or an independent psychiatrist who is specialized with ADHD for treatment.
You'll notice that waiting times are shorter if you choose to opt for private. On the NHS it's not uncommon to wait over one year. This can be a huge burden for those who are struggling. Some of those on the waiting list have committed suicide due to the fact that they could not stand the frustration and anxiety of waiting for an evaluation. Private therapy usually allows you to start treatment in a short time, and the majority of private psychiatrists have years of experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can also screen and treat co-morbidities such as anxiety disorders or depression.
Why do I require an assessment?
If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD or you are experiencing problems in your daily life that could be caused by it, you should undergo an assessment by a professional psychiatrist. This is best done by a specialist psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD. However, there are psychologists and psychotherapists who are able to perform this type of assessment. If you're unsure of which one to choose then you could ask your doctor for a recommendation or another therapy provider you've met. You can also search the internet to find professionals in your area with a good reputation. Some insurance plans have lists of professionals who are certified.
A structured interview and questions will form part of the process for a complete diagnosis. The focus of the interview will be your symptoms within your present work, family and social context. The psychiatrist will inquire about your experiences with symptoms as a child and adolescent, but will also concentrate on the impact your symptoms have had on you in adulthood. They will also check whether you have any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on who you are and the circumstances they may ask for information about your family and friends. You may also be asked to bring old school documents or reports to be reviewed. This can be a difficult process since it can be difficult to recall all the details of your childhood or the adolescence.
If adult diagnosis of adhd of a minority group or gender non-conforming, the procedure can be more challenging. In the UK, for example, there is still discrimination against people of color GNCs, females and others being diagnosed with ADHD even when the symptoms are obvious. It isn't easy to obtain a proper diagnosis. However, your GP may refer you to a private specialist like a Priory Hospital or a Wellbeing Centre for an assessment. It is also possible to get an agreement for shared care with your GP for medications, which can make the process a lot simpler, but not all GPs are willing to do this.
How do I obtain an assessment?
Your doctor is your primary health healthcare provider and is best placed to refer you for an assessment. You can also contact a private specialist like Priory and make an appointment yourself. Priory's psychiatrists are experts with many years of experience diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer you an array of treatment options.
If your GP decides to refer you to a specialist, they'll ask you and a close friend or family member to fill out a few questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can be accessed through your portal's dashboard and must be completed at a minimum of 24 hours prior to your appointment. They are designed to highlight behaviours that may suggest the presence of ADHD. Your GP will then arrange for an onward referral to an adult ADHD service.
If you reside in a location that provides this service, your local mental health team usually provides it. They will undertake a comprehensive mental health and psychiatric examination as well as examining other conditions that could be similar to symptoms of ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
It is important to disclose any other mental health problems you may have or were previously diagnosed in your family, as they can influence your ability to be assessed for ADHD. You can also bring any feedback or reports from your tutors supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Also, you can provide information about any help you receive at home, like through a GP or a non-profit organisation like EmployAbility.
The psychiatrist will discuss the results with you once they've completed their evaluation. If they determine that you have ADHD they will give you a plan of care which may include medication recommendations. The care plan will also outline any other services they think you could be able to benefit from, for instance, a referral to counseling or talk therapy.
We know that it can be difficult to access the support you require if your social or health care needs are complicated. That's why we offer an anonymous, free phone consultation with an assistant psychologist to help find out what support might be available to you. This could include an introduction to a local ADHD support group or an eligibility check for government-funded programs like Access to Work.
What happens during a test?
Making a correct diagnosis of ADHD is among the first steps towards gaining control over symptoms that can cause serious problems in a variety of situations, from home to work. An evaluation typically includes an extensive interview conducted by a skilled professional and various forms of psychometric testing. This information can help to determine the underlying causes of the symptoms for the individual and whether they are the result of other conditions or medical issues.
A thorough assessment involves collecting detailed information about the person's previous experiences, including the date when symptoms first began to manifest and the length of time they last. The doctor will also want to know the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's life in general, which includes work, school, and relationships. This will be based on the definition of impairment that considers whether the person has lost their job because of their difficulty with time management, experienced excessive conflict and distress in their marriage, or been put on academic probation for poor grades.
A trained clinical psychologist or psychiatrist qualified to evaluate ADHD will conduct an interview. While the professionals may vary in their methods and the materials they employ, certain protocols are considered essential to conduct a thorough assessment. This includes a thorough interview, standardized ratings for ADHD and other psychometric tests. In some instances, the specialist will give several tests specifically designed to detect ADHD symptoms and other conditions like learning disabilities or anxiety disorders.
A consultation with your doctor or contacting a local mental clinic can be helpful if you are unsure of where to start or have questions regarding the right health professional. Many adult ADHD support groups are in a position to provide you with information about qualified professionals near you. Certain health insurance plans include specialists who are certified and can assist you in finding the right specialist for your evaluation.