Diagnosing ADHD in the UK
In England, Scotland and Wales, GPs cannot diagnose ADHD. However they can refer you to a specialist in the NHS to conduct an assessment. This is called a 'right to choose referral.
An ADHD assessment is usually fairly thorough and can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist may request you to complete questionnaires and provide evidence, like old school reports.
The Assessment
The first step to manage ADHD effectively is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. People don't know how to manage their symptoms or improve their performance in school, work and in relationships without being diagnosed. People suffering from ADHD show hyperactivity and impulsiveness consistently. While everyone exhibits these behaviors occasionally, there are some that are more frequent. They tend to be disorganized and have difficulty to plan their schedules and are unable to follow directions. They are prone to procrastinate and have trouble meeting deadlines despite their best efforts. They might be physically fidgety, or unable to remain still. They may also find it easy to become distracted, even when engaged in a pursuit they enjoy. They may also have trouble with their memory, avoiding appointments or other important events.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children. The DSM-V, the mental health manual that doctors worldwide use is designed to help diagnose children. It is more difficult to determine ADHD symptoms in adults. Instead, the process of assessing is based on a series of interviews with a specialist.
The doctor will inquire about the person's behavior over their life time taking into consideration their symptoms and how they have affected their lives. They will also talk to relatives or close friends if appropriate and with consent. This process is particularly useful when evaluating an adult for ADHD because it allows to distinguish the disorder from other medical conditions that can be related to emotional issues or sleep disorders, autism spectrum disorder and mood swings.
In order for the assessment to be reliable, the person being assessed needs to be honest and forthcoming in their answers. They should expect to spend the majority of their time responding to questions. Bring any documentation or other information that could be relevant to your assessment, such as a medical history, allergies or other medical conditions. They should also be aware that the physician may have to employ a variety of tests and questionnaires in order to make an informed choice about the symptoms.
Medication
For adults and children who are struggling with ADHD symptoms, medications can help to relieve their difficulties. This is usually done after an evaluation by a specialist such as a psychiatrist, or an obstetrician. After a diagnosis has been made, the specialist can then discuss the best treatment options with you. This could involve medication, therapy or a combination of both.
A psychiatrist will examine clusters of symptoms described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to diagnose ADHD. They will also examine the impact these symptoms have on your daily life. This includes the effect of the symptoms on your relationships, school, and home activities. They also take into account the fact that symptoms have been present in childhood.
Treatments for ADHD typically contain stimulants, like methylphenidate or dexamphetamine (Ritalin) and they help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain. Based on the symptoms you are experiencing, your doctor may start you with the lowest dose and gradually increase it. They will also watch you closely for side effects.
If you've had a history of other mental health issues, it's essential to tell your GP. This will allow them to check if your ADHD symptoms are related to any of these ailments.
People with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or depression. They are also more likely to experience'meltdowns' which occur when they are overwhelmed with emotions. They might cry, shout and scream all at once. It's similar to a child throwing an argument.
Some people with ADHD are at risk of developing stomach aches, headaches and nosebleeds. It is important to screen during your assessment for medical conditions such as sleep apnea and thyroid problems. It's also worth noting that certain foods and drinks can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's best to stay away from caffeine, sugary and processed foods and artificial colours and flavourings. Your psychiatrist can provide advice on how to manage your ADHD symptoms during an assessment.
Shared Management
Unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause many people to have difficulties at work or with relationships. These issues can have a direct effect on their physical and mental health. For this reason, it is essential that they receive the appropriate treatment and support from a medical professional who has the knowledge and experience in the management of ADHD.
The NHS provides a service for children and adolescents with ADHD. This includes assessment, treatment, and support. This service is provided by healthcare professionals who have completed specific training in ADHD management including Clinical Psychologists and psychiatrists. The evaluation of children and young people with ADHD may include taking a detailed developmental and psychosocial history; observation; use of standardised questionnaires and psychological tests. It could also involve consultation with relatives and carers.
In the UK, people who seek help for ADHD are usually greeted by a system which can aid or hinder diagnosis and assistance. The understanding and attitude of these gatekeepers, as the availability of services, can affect the ease with which a child or young person with ADHD can get through the system.
Attendees of the meeting expressed concern over the long wait times for CAMHS services and the low rejection rates of adolescents suffering from ADHD. When people finally do get a visit they might be offered treatments that are not designed to their individual requirements. Charity representatives have mentioned anecdotal instances of children with serious comorbidities such as self-harming and eating disorders, being denied access to treatment due to the fact that they were thought of as signs of ADHD instead of signs of mental distress that required immediate intervention.
The ability of the GP to treat ADHD is limited. They are the ones responsible for identifying the problem and referring patients to specialists if necessary. Based on diagnosis adhd and experience and expertise, the GP might recommend the use of behavioural therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help manage ADHD symptoms. They might also recommend that the patient seek out private counseling with an experienced psychologist who specializes in this field of mental health.
Support
In the UK, GPs can assess whether ADHD is likely and refer to an expert for further evaluation. This will include a full medical history and checking for other health issues like anxiety or depression. It is also important to think about whether other causes, like food allergies, are making symptoms worse.
Once a diagnosis has been made, medication can help alleviate symptoms. This can be done by taking pills or attending talks therapy sessions. In certain instances, diet modifications can also help manage the symptoms. People who live with ADHD often have a difficult time to get the right support. It is crucial to find a service you can trust and that will take the time necessary to fully understand your requirements. Joining a peer support group for people with ADHD, or getting assistance and support from family members and friends is a great idea. They can discuss their experiences and create strategies together.
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the right diagnosis or treatment, because certain healthcare professionals are prone to what ADHD "looks" like. This could make it difficult for people who are from minority groups to receive a proper diagnosis, particularly when they are of color or assigned female at birth.
Adults may seek private ADHD assessments to prevent delays and obstructions to NHS services, and to receive a diagnostic that they may use when seeking specialist support. Health professionals and GPs may be concerned about the accuracy of the diagnosis and may not accept treatment based on privately formulated diagnoses.
To reduce these problems it is possible to provide training to primary care practitioners to enhance their understanding about ADHD and its effects on adults. It is also important to establish clear pathways for those who wish to receive treatment and support.
If their symptoms are under control individuals with ADHD are able to enjoy a good quality of life. They can achieve great things and are more likely to succeed in school and work than their peers who don't have ADHD. It's important that you share your ADHD management with your parents, teachers, and friends.