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ADHD Diagnosis – Celebrities Help Remove the Stigma Celebrities such as Simone Biles and Adam Levine have shared their experiences with ADHD and have helped to break down the stigma that surrounds the condition. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for many. An NHS diagnosis begins with a specialist evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist (as as per Nice guidelines). This will be a 45-90 minute consultation. Making a diagnosis The first step in controlling symptoms of ADHD can be to diagnose it. This will help you get control of your home life and at work. Whether you are constantly losing your keys, struggling to finish tasks at work, or arguing with family members about your impulsive spending, getting an accurate diagnosis is vital. Accurate diagnosis is possible through a structured assessment of your clinical condition with a qualified Consultant Psychiatrist. You may self-refer to a psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD or you can be recommended by your GP. The process will differ based on the option you select. If you self-refer you may need to pay for the assessment yourself which is known as going private. If you're referred by your GP it will be free. The psychiatrist will go over the causes of your symptoms with you in a thorough interview, and they will also ask for feedback from others who know you well, including teachers, family members, and colleagues. During the interview you will be asked to assess your symptoms in relation to your daily activities. They will also investigate any recent issues, like relationships or work-related issues. They will also inquire about any mental health conditions you might have. Your GP will refer you to the NHS for an ADHD assessment. The test typically includes a 45-90 minute discussion and ADHD questionnaires with an expert nurse or psychiatrist. Certain NHS specialists may also arrange for additional testing, such as neuropsychological or learning disability testing. If your doctor is of the opinion that you suffer from ADHD and they recommend you to a specialist to conduct a further assessment and provide the prescription for medication if needed. You may also request the referral to a private clinic such as Priory which has specialists with years of experience diagnosing adult ADHD and providing effective treatment for the condition. The NHS is stretched and it may be difficult to refer you to an assessment even if your doctor doesn't know about ADHD. GPs who have little knowledge of adult ADHD might not be able to offer you the help and support you need and some may refuse to diagnose it. You can help improve your chances of getting a speedy thorough and accurate assessment by taking action to raise awareness and making sure you choose the right GP to refer you to. Medication The use of medication can help those with ADHD focus better, become less impulsive and more peaceful. They help by boosting certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Other medications, like the non-stimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants (such as bupropion) are also utilized if stimulants aren't appropriate or cause serious side effects. Some people with ADHD are able to see that changes in diet or taking supplements may improve their symptoms. These approaches should be used only under medical supervision and with the guidance of an experienced dietitian. There is no strong evidence that these treatments work, and they should not be used as a substitute for professional treatment. The most commonly used medication is treatment for ADHD for both adults and children. It is crucial that those suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication without seeking a doctor's guidance. If you stop taking your medication too soon or if you do not take it as directed, you can be afflicted with serious and sometimes fatal adverse side effects. Therapy is a successful method to control ADHD symptoms in addition to taking medication. www.iampsychiatry.uk , or psychological counselling can help adults, teenagers, and children accept their diagnosis and learn how to deal with them. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a form of psychotherapy that assists people change their negative thoughts and behavior to more positive ones. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from marital and family counseling, which can assist them deal with the difficulties they face in their relationships. Despite the challenges, many people suffering from ADHD are successful at work and in their relationships. The disorder can create problems in careers and education, but can also enable people to gain a different perspective on the world. For example, the hyperactivity and impulsiveness of ADHD can allow people to see the details that others do not which can allow them to be more successful in creative fields. The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP and have an open and honest discussion about your symptoms. It's a good idea to bring any notes you've taken regarding your symptoms, and also examples of how they've affected your daily life. The doctor decides whether to refer you for an NHS assessment or to a different mental specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you live in England you can select the NHS mental health provider you want. Therapy ADHD symptoms can manifest differently in adults, and this could make it difficult to get a diagnosis. You can search online for an ADHD specialist or your general practitioner might refer you to. However it's not always the situation, and waiting periods are usually lengthy, especially if you live in England or Wales where NHS guidelines require them to offer an ADHD service. Alternately, you can pay for an independent diagnosis and treatment. It's not without risk, however, as many GPs don't prescribe medications if they've already diagnosed you privately. It can take some time to receive an ADHD diagnosis and adults usually have a more difficult time obtaining one than children. It's because people with ADHD symptoms are often seen as “problematic” or “failures”. There are a few important gatekeepers who can assist patients get access to diagnosis and treatment. These include teachers, youth center workers, social workers and police officers. They all have regular contact with many youngsters 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 role of a poor diet and home environments in causing ADHD symptoms. It can be challenging to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood if you are multiple neurodivergent (such as having both ADHD and autism) or if your mental health has been previously diagnosed. These conditions can coexist and make it difficult to determine which one you're suffering from. Fortunately, the NHS has created a new pathway for ADHD assessments which is designed to decrease waiting time. It's referred to as the “right to choose” method which allows you to select your own therapist for an assessment funded by the NHS. If you reside in England the process of getting an ADHD assessment is more straightforward than ever. Support In a recent survey, ADHD Aware discovered that adults diagnosed with the condition can find the experience extremely difficult. Many report feeling like failures or that they are not worthy of treatment. Many people aren't sure how to manage their symptoms and may be struggling with their family or job. They may also be misunderstood by those around them and can even lose their jobs due to this. The signs of ADHD in adults can be difficult to recognise and understand, which means that they are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders. This can lead to inappropriate treatment, like antidepressants that can cause serious side consequences. If you're concerned that you or someone you know has ADHD, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They can refer you to them and arrange for a test. The results of the test will help to decide whether therapy or medication is necessary. It is crucial that adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have access to quality support services. The condition can cause major problems in all areas of their lives, from academic performance to relationships and career advancement. It can also cause anxiety and depression. Despite this, NHS trusts struggle to offer adequate services. Some trusts in the NHS are not able to meet demand, and have long waiting times. Adults with ADHD can be referred to their local NHS mental health services by their physician however this could be long and time-consuming. If you'd like to speed up the process, you can ask your GP about exercising your right to decide and request that they refer you to a private service. This can be an easier and cost-effective option. Check the waiting lists for ADHD tests in your area. The longer you sit longer, the more difficult it will be to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. You could also request your GP to refer you to a specialist psychologist. They may be able assess your situation quicker than a psychiatrist.