Diagnosing ADHD in the UK
In England, Scotland and Wales the GPs in England, Scotland and Wales are not able to diagnose ADHD. However, they are able to refer you to a specialist on the NHS to conduct an assessment. This is referred to as an "right to choose" referral.
A thorough ADHD evaluation can take between 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist may request you to complete questionnaires and provide evidence such as old school reports.
The Assessment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards managing it effectively. People aren't sure how to manage their symptoms or improve their performance at work, school and in their relationships without having a diagnosis. While everyone displays some hyperactivity and impulsiveness from time to time People with ADHD exhibit these behaviors consistently. They are often disorganised, find it hard to plan their schedules and are unable to follow directions. They tend to delay their work and have a difficult time trying to meet deadlines, despite their best intentions. They might be physically fidgety or in a position to remain still. They may also find it easy to become distracted, even when engaged in an activity they like. They may also struggle with their memory, and forgetting appointments or other important occasions.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult than in children. The DSM-V, the mental health manual doctors around the world use, is geared towards diagnosing children. It's harder to establish ADHD symptoms in adults. The assessment process is based on a series of clinical interviews with the specialist.
The clinician will interview the patient about their behavior throughout their life, taking into consideration the symptoms they experience and their impact on their lives. If appropriate and consented to the interview, they may also ask family members or close relatives of the patient. This process is especially useful when assessing adults for ADHD. It helps distinguish the diagnosis from other medical conditions, like emotional disorders or sleep disorders, as well as autism spectrum disorder.
To allow the assessment to be accurate, the person being assessed needs to be open and honest in their answers. They should expect to spend the majority of their time answering questions. Bring any documents or other information that could be relevant to your evaluation, such as an medical history, allergies or other medical conditions. They must also be aware that the doctor may need to use a broad range of tests and questionnaires to make an informed decision about the symptoms.
Medication
For children and adults who are struggling with their ADHD symptoms, medications can aid in easing their problems. This usually occurs after an assessment has been conducted with a specialist, like paediatricians or psychiatrists. Once a diagnosis is made, the specialist can then discuss the most effective treatment options with you. This may involve medication, therapy or a combination of the two.
A psychiatrist will look for patterns of symptoms, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to make an ADHD diagnosis. They also look at the effects of the symptoms on your life. This includes the effects of the symptoms on your relationships, school, work and other activities at home. They also take into account the fact that the symptoms have been present since childhood.
ADHD medication are typically stimulants such as dexamphetamine or methylphenidate (Ritalin). They are effective by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain. Depending on your symptoms your doctor might begin you at the lowest dosage, and gradually increase it. They will also be watching closely for any adverse effects.
If you have a history of other mental health issues, it's essential to tell your GP. This will enable them to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are linked to these illnesses.
It's not uncommon for those with ADHD to have comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. They are also more likely to experience'meltdowns' which occur when they are overwhelmed with emotions. This is the time when they cry, shout and move around wildly, all at once, like a child throwing an argument.
Some people with ADHD are at risk of developing headaches, stomach aches and nosebleeds. It's therefore important to screen for medical issues, like sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing, thyroid problems and lead poisoning during your assessment. You should also be aware that certain drinks and foods could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It is recommended to avoid caffeine, processed and sugary foods, as well as artificial flavors and colours. During an assessment, your psychiatrist will be able to advise on the best strategy for managing your ADHD symptoms.
Shared Management
Many people with ADHD have issues with work and relationships due to untreated symptoms. These issues can have a direct effect on their physical and mental health. It is therefore important that they receive the appropriate treatment and assistance from medical professionals who have the knowledge and training to manage ADHD.
The NHS provides a service for children and adolescents with ADHD that includes assessment, medication and support. The service is provided by healthcare professionals with specialist training in the management of ADHD like Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists. The evaluation of children and young people suffering from ADHD could include taking a detailed psychosocial and developmental history; observation; the use of standardised questionnaires; and psychological tests. It could also include consultation with parents and family members.
In the UK, people seeking help for ADHD often encounter a network of gatekeepers who can facilitate or hinder access to diagnosis and assistance. The understanding and attitude of these gatekeepers, as the accessibility of services, will influence how easily a child or young person suffering from ADHD is able to access the system.
One of the major concerns raised by meeting attendees was the fact that certain CAMHS services have lengthy waiting times and high rejection rates for young and adolescents people with ADHD. It is possible that when people do finally get seen they will be offered treatments which are not specifically tailored to their requirements. Charity representatives have reported anecdotal cases of children with serious comorbidities such as self-harming and eating disorders, being denied access to treatment because they were considered signs of ADHD rather than signs of mental distress that needed immediate intervention.
The ability of the GP to treat ADHD is limited. They are accountable for diagnosing the condition, and sending patients to specialists when necessary. Depending on their skills and expertise in the field, the GP might recommend behavioural therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to manage ADHD symptoms. They might also recommend that the patient seek out private help with an expert psychologist in this area of mental health.
Support
In the UK, GPs can assess whether ADHD is likely and refer to specialists for further evaluation. This includes a complete medical history and a check for other health issues, such as anxiety or depression. It's important to also consider other factors like food allergies that could be making symptoms worse.
Once a diagnosis has been established, medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms. This can be done by taking pills or attending an appointment with a therapist. In some cases, dietary changes can also help with the symptoms. People who live with ADHD often find it difficult to get the right support. It is essential to find a service that you trust and that takes the time to get to know your requirements. Assistance and support from family and friends is very beneficial, as is as joining a peer group for people suffering from ADHD. They can discuss their experiences and create strategies together.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining the correct diagnosis or treatment, because certain healthcare professionals are prone to what ADHD "looks" like. This makes it difficult for people who belong to minority groups to receive the correct diagnosis, particularly in the case of people who are color or assigned female at birth.
Adults can take advantage of private ADHD assessments to prevent delays and obstructions to NHS services, and also to receive a diagnostic that they can apply for specialist assistance. Health professionals and GPs may be concerned about the validity and accept treatment based on privately formulated diagnoses.
Offering training to primary care providers to here increase their knowledge of ADHD and how it affects adults could be a method of reducing the incidence of these issues. It is also beneficial to have clear pathways for people who want to access support and treatment.
People with ADHD can enjoy a high quality of life if their symptoms are managed. They can achieve more and are more likely than peers without ADHD to do well in school and at work. It is essential to share your ADHD management with your parents, teachers and friends.