ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Many adults are seeking an ADHD assessment because they believe something isn't quite right. They may be concerned about their work or relationships.
According to current NHS guidelines in England and Wales you have the legal right to receive an ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor will follow NICE Guidelines and may request reports from observer people who know you, particularly as an infant.
What is ADHD assessment?
Getting an ADHD assessment is the first step in discovering if you or your child have this condition. You will be questioned and diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are able to diagnose ADHD. They may use a number of techniques to determine your symptoms, such as checklists and scales for assessing behavior and also interview people who are familiar with you. They might also ask for a physical exam and medical background to rule out other conditions that could mimic ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
It is essential to be honest and open in your evaluation. If you're not, the examiner may conclude that you're not serious about being diagnosed or that your symptoms aren't all that bad. During the evaluation, you'll likely be asked to provide details regarding your history of mental health and that of your family and any issues at school or at work. You may be asked for a questionnaire or to complete a behavioral scale. You'll also need to pay attention during the examination.
To get a diagnosis you must show at least six symptoms of ADHD that appear in more than one setting like home and school, and disrupt your life. These symptoms must have appeared in the early years of your life before the age of 12, and cannot be explained by other disorders, like depression or anxiety. You could be referred back to your GP to seek treatment, or you may decide to consult an independent psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD.
If you choose to take the private route, you'll discover that the wait is significantly shorter than the NHS. It's not uncommon to wait for more than a year for an assessment on the NHS and it could be a major blow for those who are struggling. Some people who were on the NHS waiting lists committed suicide as a result of the stress and anxiety of waiting. Private treatment allows you to start treatment as quickly as possible. The majority of private psychiatrists are experienced in treating adults with ADHD. They are also able to detect and treat co-morbidities such as anxiety or depression.
What is the reason I need an assessment?
If you suspect you have ADHD, or you are experiencing problems in your everyday life that could be caused by it, you should undergo a professional mental assessment. This is best done by an experienced psychiatrist who is familiar with neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD. There are psychologists and psychotherapists that are able to perform this type of assessment. If you're not sure which one to choose it is best to seek recommendations from your physician or another therapist that you have met. You can also search on the web for professionals in your area with a good reputation. Some insurance plans also provide lists of professionals who are certified.
The process of obtaining a clinical diagnosis will include questions and a structured discussion with the doctor. The primary focus of the consultation will be your symptoms in the current family, work and social context. The psychiatrist will inquire about your previous symptoms as when you were a teenager or child. He will also focus on the impact of your symptoms in adulthood. They will also check if you have any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on your identity and circumstances, they might ask for information about your family and friends. It is not unusual for them to ask you to bring old school reports or other documents to review. This is a difficult part of the process, since it is difficult to recall details about your difficulties in childhood or adolescence.
If you belong to a minority group or gender non-conforming, the process may be more difficult. In the UK for example, people of color, GNCs, and females are still not diagnosed with ADHD even if their symptoms are obvious. This can make it harder to receive a diagnosis but it is also possible for doctors to refer you to an individual specialist like a Wellbeing Centre or Priory Hospital for an evaluation. You can also sign a shared-care agreement with your GP to simplify the process. However there are a few GPs who will take this step.
How can I get an assessment done?
Your GP is your primary health care provider and is the best placed to refer you for an assessment. You can also call a private specialist such as Priory and schedule an appointment. Priory's specialist psychiatrists have years of experience diagnosing ADHD in adults and can offer a range of treatment options.
If your GP decides that you should be referred, they will ask you and a family member or family member (if you have one) to fill out some questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can be found on your portal's dashboard and must be completed at a minimum of 24 hours prior to the appointment. These are designed to identify behaviors that may indicate ADHD. Your GP will arrange for an appointment with an adult ADHD service.
If you live in a location that provides this service, your local mental health service will usually conduct it. They will conduct a thorough mental health and psychiatric assessment, including looking at other conditions that can sometimes be similar to symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
diagnosing adhd is important to disclose any other mental health problems that you have or were previously diagnosed in your family, because they can affect the ability of you to be evaluated for ADHD. It can also be helpful to bring along any feedback or reports received from tutors, supervisors, and work colleagues and also details of any support you're receiving at home (for example, through a GP service or a non-profit organisation such as EmployAbility).
The psychiatrist will discuss the results with you once they have completed the assessment. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD, they'll provide a care plan that may include recommendations for medication. The care plan will include any other services they think you could benefit from, such as a referral to counseling or talk therapy.
We understand that it can be difficult to access the help you need if your social or health care needs are complex. We provide a free, confidential call with an assistant psychology to help you find out the support available. This could include a referral to a local ADHD support group or an eligibility check for government-funded programs like Access to Work.
What happens during an assessment?
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms, which can cause difficulties in a variety settings - from the workplace to your home. An evaluation typically includes a thorough interview conducted by a skilled professional and a variety of psychometric testing. This information can be used to determine how the symptoms affect a person and whether or not they are the result of medical conditions or other issues.
A thorough evaluation involves collecting detailed information about the person's history, particularly when the symptoms began and how long they've been present. The specialist will also want to understand the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's life in general, including work, school, and relationships. This will be based upon the definition of impairment that considers if the person has been fired because of their difficulties with time management or put on academic probation due to poor grades.
A qualified psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is qualified to assess ADHD will conduct an interview. Professionals may use different techniques and materials, however certain protocols are required for a comprehensive assessment. They include a thorough clinical interview and standardized rating scales for ADHD and various other types of psychometric tests. In some instances the specialist will conduct a series of tests that are designed to test for ADHD and other conditions such as anxiety disorders or learning disabilities.
If you're not sure where to begin or are unsure of how to find the right health care specialist, it's best to consult your doctor or visit a local mental health clinic for recommendations. Many support groups for adults suffering from ADHD will also be in a position to offer information on highly qualified professionals in your region. Certain health insurance plans include specialists with specializations and can help you find the right specialist for your evaluation.