ADHD Diagnosis - Celebrities Help Remove the Stigma Celebrities such as Simone Biles, Adam Levine and many others have spoken out about their experiences with ADHD. This has helped in removing the stigma associated with the condition. For many, getting diagnosed with ADHD is a life-changing experience. An NHS diagnosis starts by a specialist examination with psychologist or psychiatrist (as per Nice guidelines). It will be a 45-90 minute appointment. Getting an answer to a question ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards getting control of the issues that can have a devastating impact on your life at home and at work. If you're constantly losing your keys, struggling to finish tasks at work, or fighting with family members about your excessive spending, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is vital. A precise diagnosis is achievable by conducting a thorough clinical assessment with an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist. You can choose to self-refer or get referred by your GP to consult a psychiatrist that specializes in adult ADHD However, the process will differ depending on which route you choose to take. You may have to pay for your own assessment in the event that you self-refer. This is known as going private. If you're referred to by your GP it will be free. The psychiatrist will go over the causes of your symptoms with you during an extensive interview. they will also seek feedback from other people who know you well, such as family members, teachers and colleagues. During the interview you will be asked to rate your symptoms in relation to your daily functioning. They will also look into any recent issues, including work or relationship problems. They will also inquire about any mental health issues that you might have. Your GP will direct you to the NHS for an ADHD assessment. The test will typically include a 45-90 minutes discussion with psychiatrist or specialist nurse and ADHD questionnaires. Some NHS doctors will arrange for additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests if necessary. If your doctor agrees that you have ADHD, they will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and an appropriate prescription for medication. You can also request a referral to a private clinic like Priory which has specialists with years of experience diagnosing adult ADHD and providing effective treatment for the condition. The NHS is stretched and it can be difficult to refer you to an assessment if your doctor does not know about ADHD. Doctors who aren't aware of adult ADHD can feel unable to provide the assistance and support you need, while some may even refuse to diagnose it. By raising awareness and choosing the most appropriate GP, you can improve your chances of a thorough assessment. Medication The medications can help people suffering from ADHD to concentrate more effectively, feel calmer and less impatient. They help by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate or the lisdexamfetamine. Other medications, such as the non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as antidepressants (such as bupropion) can also be utilized if stimulants aren't appropriate or cause serious side effects. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that changing their diet or taking supplements can improve their symptoms. These methods should be used only under medical supervision and with the guidance of a dietitian. There is no proof that these methods work, and they are not a substitute for professional treatment. The most common treatment of ADHD in adults and children is medication. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD don't stop taking their medication without a doctor's advice. The medication can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening side effects if it is stopped too quickly or not taken in a timely manner. Therapy can be an effective method to control ADHD symptoms in addition to taking medication. Psychological counseling, also known as psychotherapy, can help teens, children and adults accept their diagnosis and become comfortable with it. Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that aids people to transform negative thoughts and behaviors to more positive ones. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from marital and family counselling, which can help them deal with the challenges they face in their relationships. Despite the difficulties they face, a lot of people with ADHD are happy in their work and relationships. The disorder can create problems in education and careers but can also allow people to gain a unique perspective of the world. For example the impulsiveness and hyperactivity of ADHD can enable people to notice details that others miss which can allow them to become more successful in creative fields. The first step to get a diagnosis is to visit your GP and have an open and honest discussion about your symptoms. It is an excellent idea to bring along any notes you have made regarding your symptoms, and also examples of how they've affected your daily routine. The GP will then decide if he or she should refer you to an NHS assessment or to a different mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist. If you live in England, you can choose the NHS mental healthcare provider you want. Therapy Adult ADHD symptoms can manifest differently which makes it difficult to diagnose. You can locate an ADHD specialist online, or in a few instances, a general practitioner may be willing to recommend one to you. However it's not always the situation, and waiting periods are usually lengthy, especially when you reside in England or Wales where NHS guidelines require them to provide an ADHD service. You can also pay for an individual diagnosis and treatment. It's not without risk however, as a lot of GPs don't prescribe medications even if they've diagnosed you privately. It can take an extended time to receive an ADHD diagnosis and adults usually are more difficult to get one than children. This is because adults who have ADHD symptoms are usually viewed as "problematic" or "failures". There are a few important gatekeepers in the healthcare system that have the power to help people access diagnosis and treatment. They include teachers, youth center workers, social workers, and police officers. They are all in regular contact with a lot of young people and are more likely to identify symptoms than parents. They may be hindered by their own biases. For example they may not be able to emphasize the importance of a poor diet and the home environment in causing ADHD symptoms. It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood if you're multiple neurodivergent (such as having both ADHD and autism) or if your mental health has been previously diagnosed. These conditions may overlap and make it difficult to determine which one you're dealing with. The NHS has introduced a brand new ADHD assessment path that's designed to cut down on waiting time. It's called the "right to choose" method which allows you to select your own therapist for an NHS-funded test. This means that if you're living in England it will be much easier to get an ADHD assessment than it was in the past. Support In a recent survey, ADHD Aware found that those who have been diagnosed with the condition may be extremely frustrated. Many people report feeling like failures or that they do not deserve treatment. Many people aren't sure how to manage symptoms, and may be struggling with their family or job. They could also be misinterpreted by the people around them and could lose their jobs as a result. The symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to recognise and comprehend, which means that they are often incorrectly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. This can cause people to be treated in a way that is not appropriate, for example, antidepressants that can cause serious side-effects. It is important to consult your doctor if you think that you or someone else you know may have ADHD. They can refer you to an expert and arrange for an assessment to be carried out. The results of the test could aid in determining whether medication or treatment is needed. Adults suffering from ADHD require access to high-quality support services. This is because the condition could cause significant problems throughout their lives, from academic achievement to relationships and career progression. It can also lead to depression and anxiety. However, many NHS trusts struggle to provide adequate services. Some NHS trusts are unable satisfy the demands, and have long waiting times. Adults with ADHD can be referred their local NHS mental health services by their doctor, but this can be long and time-consuming. You can ask your GP to exercise your right of choice and refer you to a provider in the private sector in order to accelerate the process. This could be a simpler and cost-effective option. See if there are waiting lists for ADHD assessments in your region. The longer you wait longer, the more difficult it will be for you to get a diagnosis and receive treatment. You could also request your GP to refer you to a specialist psychologist. They might be able to evaluate your situation quicker than psychiatrists.