ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Adults often look for ADHD assessments because they feel that something isn't all right. They may have concerns about their relationships or work.
Under current NHS guidelines in England and Wales you have a legal right to an ADHD diagnosis. Your specialist will follow NICE guidelines and will also request observer reports from people who know you, especially as an infant.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is the first step towards knowing whether you or your child suffer from this condition. You will be questioned and diagnosed by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are able to diagnose ADHD. They can 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 may also request an exam of your body and a medical history to rule out any other conditions that may be a precursor to ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to be honest during your evaluation. If you're not truthful, the examiner might conclude that you're not really serious about getting a diagnosis or that your symptoms don't seem to be that severe. During the evaluation you'll likely be asked about your family and personal history of mental health, as well as any issues at school or at work. You may be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire or fill out a behavioral rating scale, and you'll probably have 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 places, such as school and at home and they should interfere with your everyday life. These symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood, prior to age 12, and they can't be explained by a disorder, like depression or anxiety. You could be referred by your GP or an independent psychiatrist that specializes with ADHD to receive treatment.
If you choose to take the private route, you'll likely discover that the wait is significantly less than the NHS. It's not uncommon to wait more than a year for an assessment on the NHS and that can be a huge blow to 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. adhd diagnostic allows you to start treatment quickly, and most private psychiatrists have extensive experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can also screen for and treat co-morbidities, like anxiety or depression.
Why do I require an assessment?
If you think you may have ADHD or are experiencing issues in your life caused by it, you'll need a professional mental health assessment. This is best done by a qualified psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about neurodevelopmental disorders and ADHD. Psychotherapists and psychologists also do this type of evaluation. If you're not sure which one to choose it is best to seek advice from your physician or another therapist you have met. You can also search on the internet for local professionals with a good reputation. Certain insurance plans also provide lists of professionals who are certified.
The process of a full clinical diagnosis will involve questions and a formal interview with the specialist. The main focus will be on your symptoms in a current work, family and social context. The psychiatrist will inquire about your symptoms from when you were an adolescent or child. The doctor will also focus on the consequences of your symptoms as you enter adulthood. They will also test for any other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on the professional and the circumstances, they will sometimes seek information from close family members 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 may be difficult to recall details about your difficulties during your childhood or adolescence.
The process may be more difficult if you're a minority group and/or gender non-conforming (GGN). In the UK for instance, people of color, GNCs, and females are still not diagnosed with ADHD even though their symptoms are evident. It isn't always easy to get a proper diagnosis. However, your GP may refer you to a private specialist such as a Priory Hospital or a Wellbeing Centre to conduct an assessment. It is also possible to sign an agreement for shared care with your GP for your medication, which could make the process simpler, but not all GPs are willing to do this.
How do I get an assessment?
Your doctor is your primary health care provider and is best in the position to refer you to an assessment. You can also call a private specialist such as Priory, and arrange an appointment. Priory's psychiatric specialists have decades of experience diagnosing ADHD in adults and can provide a variety of treatment options.
If your GP decides that you need to be referred to a specialist, they will request you and a friend or family member (if you have one) to complete a few questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can be found on your portal dashboard. The questionnaires should be completed at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. They are designed to highlight the behaviors that could indicate ADHD. Your doctor will arrange for a referral to an adult ADHD service.
It is usually provided by the local community mental health team in the event that you are within a catchment area currently providing this service. They will conduct a thorough mental and psychiatric evaluation that includes a review of other disorders like anxiety and depression, which can sometimes be a symptom of ADHD symptoms.
It's important to mention any other mental health problems that you're suffering from, or that were previously diagnosed in your family, because these can also impact the ability of you to be evaluated for ADHD. Also, you can provide any feedback or reports from your teachers supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Additionally, you should provide details of any support you receive at home, like through an GP or non-profit organization like EmployAbility.
The psychiatrist will discuss the results with you once they've completed their assessment. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will offer a plan of care which may include prescriptions for medication. The care plan will also provide any other support they believe would be beneficial to you, such as the need to refer you to therapy sessions or coaching.
We recognize that it may be difficult to get the support you need when your health or social healthcare needs are complex. That's why we offer a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with an assistant psychologist to help you discover what assistance may be available to you. This could include a referral to an ADHD support group in your area or an eligibility check for government-funded schemes like Access to Work.
What happens during an assessment?
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in controlling symptoms, which can create difficulties in a variety settings, from the workplace to at home. A thorough interview by a professional with experience and a variety of psychometric tests is typically part of an evaluation. This information can help to determine how the symptoms affect the individual and if they are the result of other conditions or medical issues.
A thorough assessment requires gathering information on the person's history, particularly when the symptoms began and how long they have been present. The specialist will also want to understand the impact of ADHD symptoms on the individual's life in general, including school, work and relationships. This will be determined by the definition of impairment, which examines whether the person has been dismissed due to their difficulty with time management or placed on academic probation for poor grades.
A trained psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is qualified to assess ADHD will conduct an interview. Professionals may use different materials and procedures, but certain protocols are necessary to conduct a thorough assessment. This includes a thorough clinical interview as well as standardized rating scales to assess ADHD and other forms of psychometric testing. In some instances, a specialist will administer a series of tests designed to detect ADHD and other conditions such as anxiety disorders or learning disabilities.
Asking your doctor for advice or contacting a local mental clinic could be beneficial if aren't sure where to start or have questions regarding the right health professional. Many adult ADHD support groups are in a position to provide you with details about professionals who are qualified close to you. Certain health insurance plans offer a list of qualified professionals classified by area of expertise to help you locate the right specialist for your evaluation.