Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland
ADHD affects people's lives at work and home. The correct diagnosis will help you get the support that you require.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to manage symptoms and to help you achieve your goals at work or at university. We offer comprehensive private ADHD assessments for adults living in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Symptoms
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD can affect their daily lives. These challenges can affect the way they work and interact with others and can cause depression and anxiety. However, being diagnosed and treated could be the first step towards a happier life. The best treatment plan will assist you in managing your symptoms to ensure that they don't get in the way of your accomplishments.
The symptoms of ADHD are difficult to identify in adults, and as a result they are often overlooked or misunderstood. Some symptoms could be misinterpreted as a sign of other disorders like dyslexia, mood disorders or other. Other symptoms aren't recognized in any way, since the person's issues could be attributed to age or other health issues.
It is essential to remember that ADHD symptoms can last throughout the life of an adult. Therefore it is crucial to identify the symptoms in every setting. For a diagnosis, a person must have at least five persistent traits (symptoms) of inattention and/or five persistent symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, and they must occur in two or more settings.
If you believe that your symptoms may be connected to ADHD or other disorders, you can inquire with your GP to conduct an assessment. They will refer to a mental health service that will determine if you are in compliance with ADHD criteria. It could be a local mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service.
The assessment process may take approximately three and a half hours, which includes time with a psychiatrist. During your appointment, your psychiatrist may ask you questions or to speak to your family members or friends. You may be asked to complete a few questionnaires. You can also bring your old school reports and letters to the assessment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send you a a letter which can be sent to your GP and any other health professionals who are involved in your treatment. They will discuss with you the results of your assessment and provide you with advice on how to manage your symptoms. They will also provide you with the contact information for local organisations and support groups that can provide help and assistance.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is a little more difficult than it is for children and teenagers. A qualified health professional (usually either a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist) diagnoses the condition. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are referred for evaluation by their GP. If your GP doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD or is unable to refer you, it's worth contacting the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They've created a useful support letter that you could print and present to your GP and request an appointment.
If you are referred your doctor will make an appointment with a Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist. The person who will conduct the assessment will ask that you describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Then, they'll conduct an organized interview to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD. They will also ask you about your family history of mental health problems, and any other underlying conditions you may have.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid in managing your condition and improve your overall quality of life. But, it's important to keep in mind that a diagnosis doesn't mean an instant cure. The correct treatment plan can make a big difference. However, you must spend time figuring out what you can do to improve your health.
While the symptoms of ADHD can be challenging to manage, it's important to keep in mind that there are plenty of treatment options available. These include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behaviour therapy. These treatments can be used in isolation or together. While medications are the most effective treatment for many, they can have side effects. Before you begin taking medication consult your physician.
A long waiting list hinders individuals from receiving a public NHS referral to have an adult ADHD assessment. This is a problem, particularly because the NHS has invested in a nurse-led ADHD waiting list initiative to address this problem. In the last three years, ADHD assessments have increased by 1000 percent in Greater Glasgow and Clyde's CMHTs.
Treatment
The first step is to understand the symptoms you are experiencing and then to get an extensive evaluation by a psychiatrist. It's a frightening idea for some patients, but our psychiatrists know how to make you feel at relaxed.
If I Am Psychiatry UK ask doctors, they can conduct an initial ADHD evaluation. However, the fact that many GPs have no knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions makes it more difficult to get an NHS referral may be more difficult than it should be.
It is crucial to remember that a diagnosis for ADHD does not alter your personality. It will simply explain some of the reasons why you struggle with being on task, organizing tasks or managing your emotions. Many adults who are given an ADHD diagnosis feel a huge relief to finally know why they have struggled. However, it can also cause a variety of feelings that need to be addressed in therapy.
Unmanaged ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety that can have a significant impact on both your professional and personal life. You should not treat these as separate issues. Instead, you should make sure your GP is aware that your problems could be related to untreated ADHD.
Treatment options for ADHD include both pharmaceutical and psychosocial interventions. Medications are generally effective in treating ADHD however they may cause negative side effects, so you must discuss these with your psychiatrist.
It is essential to obtain the correct medication and take it as prescribed. There are also psychosocial interventions like Family Therapy and marriage, as well as Psychoeducation, which can be beneficial. The latter involves informing the family about ADHD and helps them respond more constructively to the issues that can be faced in relationships when someone is diagnosed with ADHD.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching and other therapies are also often recommended. These therapies can be very beneficial for some patients, and are especially useful when addressing comorbid anxiety and depression.
Support
ADHD is a condition that requires long term management. Without it, symptoms could affect working performance, social functioning, and mental wellbeing. There are numerous support services for adults with ADHD available in Scotland. The symptoms can be treated by using both medication and therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In some cases, a person's symptoms are so profound that they are unable to function at all and may require medical attention.
Referrals from your GP are the most popular method of getting an adult ADHD evaluation. A lot of GPs aren't sufficiently knowledgeable about ADHD to accurately refer a patient. This is due in part to the fact that neurological conditions such as ADHD are not included in a GP's mandatory training. PhD student Blandine French has created a tool to help tackle this issue and provide GPs with the information they need to refer accurately.
If you decide to consult your GP regarding ADHD and other related issues, you must describe your symptoms in a clear and concise manner and ask that they take into consideration referring you for an ADHD assessment. It is also worth mentioning to them that you could have a comorbid mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD will not only enhance your life but also assist your GP to determine how best to help you in the future. This could lead to an increase in your access to psychiatric treatment should you require it. A diagnosis can also help you receive the support and tailored treatment you require at work or at college.
Those who do not receive a formal diagnosis could struggle with poor self-esteem, relationships difficulties and self-loathing. Unmanaged ADHD can also lead to alcohol abuse and lead to mental health issues.
A small nurse-led ADHD waiting list initiative has been created in the Glasgow area to tackle the high volume of requests for an adult adhd assessment. In the future, it is envisaged that this initiative will be developed into a more comprehensive pathway.