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ADHD Diagnosis – Celebrities Help Remove the Stigma Celebrities like Simone Biles and Adam Levine have spoken out about their experiences with ADHD, helping to remove the stigma associated with the condition. A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing for a lot of people. An NHS diagnosis begins with a specialist assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist (as per Nice guidelines). This could involve a 45 to 90 minute interview. Making an accurate diagnosis The first step to control symptoms of ADHD is to recognize it. This will help you get control of your daily life at home and at work. A precise diagnosis is essential regardless of whether you're constantly losing keys, struggling to finish your work, or arguing with your family about your impulsive purchases. Accurate diagnosis is possible by conducting a thorough clinical assessment with an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist. You can choose to self-refer or have your GP to consult a psychiatrist that specializes in adult ADHD however, the process will be different depending on which route you choose to take. You may need to pay for your own assessment when you self-refer. This is referred to as going private. If you're referred to by your GP, it will be free. In a thorough discussion with you the psychiatrist will go over the history of your symptoms. They will also request feedback from those who are familiar with you, like parents, teachers and colleagues. During the interview, you will be asked to evaluate your symptoms in relation to your everyday functioning. They will also look into any recent issues, like relationships or work issues. They will also inquire about any mental health issues you may have. Your doctor will then refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. The test will typically include an hour-long discussion with psychiatrist or a specialist nurse and ADHD questionnaires. Some NHS doctors will arrange for additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing as needed. If your doctor is of the opinion that you suffer from ADHD and is able to identify it, they will refer you to a specialist service to conduct a further assessment and provide an appropriate prescription for medication. You can also ask for an appointment with Priory which is a private clinic that has a team of specialists with extensive experience in diagnosing adult ADHD. They can provide efficient treatment. However, NHS services are stretched and it can be challenging to obtain a referral for an assessment, particularly when your doctor is not familiar with ADHD. Some doctors may not diagnose adult ADHD in the event that they don't have the right knowledge. You can help improve your chances of receiving a quick thorough and accurate assessment by taking action to raise awareness and by making sure you choose the right GP to recommend you to. Medication Medications can help people with ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and more peaceful. They do this by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants, such methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, are most often prescribed. Other medications like Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant and antidepressants, such as bupropion, can be prescribed when stimulants fail to work or cause severe adverse side effects. Certain people suffering from ADHD are able to see that changes in diet or taking supplements may help alleviate their symptoms. These methods should be used only under medical supervision and with the assistance of an experienced dietitian. There is no proof that these methods work, and they are not an alternative to professional treatment. Medication is the most popular treatment for ADHD in both adults and children. People suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication unless instructed to do so by a physician. Medication can have serious, and sometimes life-threatening, side effects if it is stopped too quickly or if it is not taken as directed. In addition to medications therapy, it can also be a helpful way to manage ADHD symptoms. Psychological counseling, also known as psychotherapy, can assist children, teenagers and adults accept their diagnosis and become comfortable with it. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Marital and family counselling can be useful for adults with ADHD because it can help them deal with the challenges that arise in their relationships. Despite the challenges they face, a lot of people who suffer from ADHD are happy at work and in relationships. The disorder can create problems in careers and education, but can also help people gain a new perspective on the world. For example the hyperactivity and impulsiveness of ADHD can enable people to notice the details that others do not, which can help them be more successful in creative fields. The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to see 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 about your symptoms, along with examples of how they've affected your life. The doctor decides whether to refer you for an NHS assessment or to a different mental specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. If you live in England you have the right to choose your NHS mental healthcare provider. Therapy ADHD symptoms may present differently in adults, and this can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. You can search the internet for an ADHD specialist or your general practitioner may refer you. However, this isn't always the situation, and waiting times 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 appointment with a private doctor and treatment. There are some risks, however since many GPs won't allow you to be prescribed medication even if you've been diagnosed privately, so it's important to conduct your own research before you make a decision. It takes a long time to get an ADHD diagnosis, and adults often are more difficult to get one than children. This is because it's not believed that ADHD can be diagnosed until adulthood, and also because GPs tend to consider those who have ADHD symptoms as “failures” or “problematic”. There are a few crucial gatekeepers within the healthcare system who are able to assist patients access diagnosis and treatment. They include teachers as well as youth center workers, social workers, and police officers. They are in regular contact with a large number of youngsters and are better able to identify symptoms than their parents. They may be hindered by their own biases. For example they may not be able to emphasize the role of a poor diet and home environments in causing ADHD symptoms. It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, especially if you're multiple neurodivergent (such as having both ADHD and autism) or in the event that your mental health condition has been previously diagnosed. This is because these disorders can sometimes overlap with each other, making it difficult to tell which one you're suffering from. Fortunately the NHS has created a new pathway for ADHD assessments that is designed to reduce waiting time. It's called the “right to choose” pathway, and it enables you to select your personal therapist for an NHS-funded test. If you're in England, getting an ADHD assessment will be much more straightforward than ever. Support ADHD Aware conducted an investigation recently and found that those suffering from the disorder often find it difficult to manage. Many report feeling like they're failing or are not worthy of treatment. Some people are unsure of how to manage their symptoms and may struggle with their family or job. They may also be misinterpreted and lose their job due to this. The signs of ADHD in adults can be difficult to recognise and comprehend, meaning that they are often diagnosed with other mental health issues. This can lead to inappropriate treatment, such as antidepressants, which can have grave negative side negative effects. It is important to consult your doctor if you think that you or someone you know has ADHD. undiagnosed adhd adults can refer you to an expert and arrange for an assessment to be performed. The results of the test will allow you to decide whether therapy or medication is required. It is vital that those diagnosed with ADHD are able to access quality support services. The condition can cause severe problems in every area of their life, from academic performance to relationships and career advancement. It can also cause anxiety and depression. However there are many NHS trusts struggle to provide adequate services. Some aren't able to meet demand and are suffering from long waiting times. It is not always easy for a doctor to refer adult patients with ADHD to the local NHS mental health services. You can request 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 faster and more cost-effective option. See if there are waiting lists for ADHD assessments in your area. The longer you wait longer, the more difficult it will be to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. It is also advisable to talk to a specialist psychologist in this disorder or asking your GP for a referral to one. They may be able to assess you more quickly than a psychiatrist.