ADHD Diagnosis - The First Step to Finding Out If You Have ADHD
Many adults seek an ADHD assessment because they believe something is not quite right. They may be concerned about their work or relationships.
In the current NHS guidelines in England and Wales you have the legal right to an ADHD diagnosis. Your doctor will follow NICE guidelines and will also ask for observer reports from others who know you, especially as a child.
What is ADHD assessment?
Achieving an ADHD assessment is the first step to finding out if you or your child have this condition. You will be questioned by an accredited specialist psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They can use checklists and behavior ratings scales to assess your symptoms. They may also ask people who are familiar with your condition. They may also request a physical exam and medical history to rule out any other conditions that may be a precursor to ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
It's crucial to be honest and open in your evaluation. If you're not honest, the person evaluating you might think that you're not really serious about getting a diagnosis or that your symptoms aren't to be that severe. In the course of your assessment, you'll likely be asked about your family and personal mental health history and any problems at school or work. You might be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire or a behavioral scale. You'll also have to pay attention to the test.
You must show at least six signs of ADHD in two or more areas such as school or at home, and they must interfere with your daily life. These symptoms must have developed in your early childhood, prior to the age of 12, and they can't be explained by another disorder, like depression or anxiety. You could be referred to your GP or an independent psychiatrist who is specialized in treating ADHD for treatment.
If you choose to take the private route, you'll likely find that the wait time is significantly shorter than the NHS. It's not uncommon for people to wait for more than a year on the NHS and it could be a major blow for those who are struggling to cope. A few people on the NHS waiting lists committed suicide due to the stress and anxiety of waiting. Private therapy typically allows you to begin treatment quickly, and most private psychiatrists have a lot of experience treating adults with ADHD. They are also able to screen for and treat co-morbidities such as anxiety or depression.
Why do I require an assessment?
If you suspect that you might have ADHD or are experiencing problems in your life that are caused by it, you will require an expert mental health assessment. It is best performed by a psychiatrist who has experience working with neurodevelopmental issues and ADHD specifically. However, there are also psychotherapists and psychologists who are able to conduct this kind of assessment. If you're unsure of which one to choose you can ask your physician to recommend a therapy provider you've met. You can also search the internet for local professionals with a good reputation. Some insurance plans provide lists of professionals who are certified.
A structured interview and questions will be a part of the process for an accurate diagnosis. The main focus of the interview will be your symptoms within the current family, work and social context. The psychiatrist will ask you about your history of symptoms in your adolescent and childhood and will then focus on the impact your symptoms have had in adulthood. They will also check whether you suffer from any other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
Depending on your identity and circumstances, they may request details about your family and friends. It is also not unusual for them to ask you to bring old school reports or other documents for review. This can be a stressful process as it is difficult to recall all the details of your childhood or your adolescence.
If you belong to a minority group or gender non-conforming, the process may be more difficult. In the UK, for example, there is still a prejudice against people of colour, GNCs and females being diagnosed with ADHD, even if the symptoms are evident. This can make it harder to be diagnosed however, it is possible for doctors to refer you a private specialist such as a Wellbeing Centre or Priory Hospital to conduct an assessment. It is also possible to get a shared-care agreement with your GP for medication which can make the process easier, however not all GPs are willing take this step.
How do I obtain an assessment?
Your GP is your primary health healthcare provider and is best in the position to refer you to an assessment. You can also contact a private specialist such as Priory and organise an appointment yourself. Priory's psychiatric specialists have decades of experience diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a range of treatment options.
If your GP decides that you should be referred, they'll ask you and a friend or family member (if you have one) to fill out some questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can be accessed through your portal dashboard. They should be completed at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. They are designed to identify behaviors that could indicate the presence of ADHD. Your GP will then make arrangements for an onward referral to a commissioned adult ADHD service.
If you live in a region that offers this service, the local mental health service usually provides it. They will undertake a comprehensive mental health and psychiatric assessment, including looking at other conditions that can sometimes mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
It is also important to mention any mental health issues you might have or have had in the past. These could affect your ability to be assessed for ADHD. It is also helpful to bring any feedback or reports received from educational tutors, supervisors and work colleagues, as well as details of any assistance you're receiving at home (for instance, through an GP service or non-profit organisation such as EmployAbility).
After the psychiatrist has completed the evaluation, they'll discuss their findings with you. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will give you an action plan for treatment that could include medication recommendations. The care plan will outline any other assistance they believe you would appreciate, for example, the recommendation to counseling or talk therapy.
We recognise that it can be difficult to get the assistance you require in the event that your social or health care needs are complex. We provide a free, confidential phone consultation with an assistant psychologist to help you discover what support is available. This could include the referral to local ADHD support group or an eligibility test for government-funded schemes like Access to Work.
What happens during an exam?
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in controlling symptoms, which can cause issues in a variety of settings - from the workplace to at home. An extensive interview with an experienced professional and a variety of psychometric tests are typically part of an evaluation. This information will help determine the underlying causes of the symptoms for the person and whether they are the result of other medical conditions or issues.
A thorough assessment involves gathering detailed information on the person's past, such as when symptoms first appeared and the length of time they last. The specialist will also want to know the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's life in general, which includes school, work, and relationships. This will be determined by a definition of impairment which considers if the person has been dismissed due to their difficulties with time management or placed on academic probation for poor grades.
An experienced psychiatrist or psychologist certified to assess ADHD will conduct an interview. Professionals may employ different materials and procedures, but certain protocols are necessary for a complete assessment. This includes a detailed interview and standardized scores for ADHD and other psychometric tests. In certain cases, the specialist will give a series of tests specifically designed to detect ADHD symptoms and other conditions, such as learning disabilities or anxiety disorders.
A consultation with your doctor or visiting a local mental health 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 able to give you details about professionals who are qualified close to you. More qualified professionals by specialty and can assist you in finding an appropriate specialist to conduct your assessment.
