Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland
ADHD affects people's lives at home and at work. The right diagnosis will give you the help that you require.
A clear diagnosis is essential in managing symptoms and allowing you to reach your goals at work or university. We provide comprehensive private ADHD assessments for adults in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the daily lives of many people. These issues can impact work and social relationships and can cause anxiety and depression. However, getting diagnosed and treated is the first step to living a more enjoyable life. The right treatment plan can assist you in managing your symptoms so they don't get in the way of your progress.
Adults may be unable to recognize the symptoms of ADHD. This is why, they are often misunderstood and ignored. Certain symptoms may be misinterpreted as dyslexia or mood disorder. Certain people's issues aren't noticed because they could be due to age or other health issues.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD are present throughout an adult's life and it is essential to recognize 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.
Ask your GP to conduct an assessment in case you suspect your symptoms may be related to. They will refer to an expert in mental health who will determine if you are in compliance with ADHD criteria. This might be a community mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service.
The assessment process can last up to three hours, which includes time with psychiatrist. During the appointment the psychiatrist will ask you questions and want to speak with your family or friends. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires. It would also be helpful if you can bring any old school reports or supporting letters to the assessment.
If you're diagnosed as having ADHD, your psychiatrist can provide you with a written diagnosis that you can give to your GP or any other health professionals involved in your treatment. They will present to you the results of your examination and provide you with suggestions on how to manage your symptoms. They will also provide contact information for local support groups and organisations that can provide help and advice.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is a little more complicated than for children and teenagers. The condition is diagnosed by a properly qualified health professional (usually a Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist). The majority of people suffering from ADHD are referred for evaluation by their GP. If your GP does not believe that you're suffering from ADHD or doesn't want to recommend you, it's worthwhile contacting the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They have created a handy support letter that you can print out and give to your GP, asking for an appointment.
Following a referral your doctor will make an appointment with a Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist. The person who conducts the assessment will ask you to explain your symptoms as well as how they impact your daily functioning. Then, they will conduct an organized interview to determine whether or not you have ADHD. They will also inquire about your family history of mental health problems and any other conditions that you may have.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a significant step towards managing your condition and improving your quality of life. It's important to keep in mind that a diagnosis does not mean that you'll be treated. The right treatment plan makes a big difference. But you need to spend time figuring out what works best for you.
It is important to be aware that ADHD symptoms aren't always easy to manage, but there are many solutions available. These include medication, cognitive therapy, and behavior therapy. These treatments can be used as a stand-alone or in conjunction with each other. Medications may be the most effective for a large number of people, but they may also have negative side adverse effects. If you're thinking about taking medication it's a good idea discuss the idea with your physician before starting.
Certain adults are unable receive a public NHS referral for an adult ADHD assessment, due to long waiting lists. This can be a problem, particularly since the NHS has invested in a nurse-led ADHD waiting list initiative to address this problem. In the last three year, ADHD assessments have increased by 1000% in Greater Glasgow and Clyde's CMHTs.
Treatment
The first step is to understand your symptoms and undergoing an accurate assessment performed by psychiatrist. This may be an intimidating task for some, however our psychiatrists are experts at making you feel comfortable and at relaxed.
If you ask doctors, they can conduct an initial ADHD evaluation. The fact that many GPs aren't trained in neurodevelopmental disorders may make it harder to get an NHS referral.
If you do make an appointment, it's important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD does not alter who you are as an individual. It's just a way of understanding why you may have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, or managing your emotions. Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis feel an enormous relief to be able to understand why they've struggled. It can also trigger numerous emotions that must be discussed in therapy.
Unmanaged ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety that can have a profound impact on both your personal and professional lives. You shouldn't treat these as separate issues. Instead it is important to ensure your GP is aware that your issues could be caused by uncontrolled ADHD.
The treatment options for ADHD comprise a range of psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. They are generally effective in treating ADHD however they may cause adverse effects, and you should discuss these with your physician.
It is crucial to find the correct medication and follow the prescribed dosage. There are also a variety of psychosocial interventions that may help such as therapy for family and marriage, and psychoeducation. The second is to educate the family members about ADHD and assisting them to respond constructively to the challenges that may arise when someone with ADHD is in a relationship.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching and other therapies are also often recommended. Some patients find that these can be very helpful and are particularly useful in the treatment of depression comorbidity and anxiety.
Support
ADHD is an illness that requires long term management. Without it, symptoms could affect working performance, social functioning, and well-being. There are numerous support services for adults suffering from ADHD available in Scotland. Symptoms can be managed with both medications and therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In some cases the symptoms of a person are so profound that they are not able to function normally and may require medical attention.
Referrals from your GP are the most common method of obtaining an assessment of adult adhd. However, a majority of GPs do not have a sufficient level of expertise in ADHD to make an accurate referral. This is partly due to the fact that neurological conditions like ADHD are not covered in the mandatory training of GPs. PhD student Blandine French has created a tool to help tackle this issue and provide GPs with the information they need to be able to refer patients accurately.
If you decide to see your GP about ADHD it is important to be able to explain your symptoms in a clear and concise manner and request that they consider referring you to an ADHD assessment. It is also worth mentioning to them that you could also have a comorbid mental health issue, like depression or anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can help improve your life. It will also aid your GP understand how to support you in the future. If you require psychiatric care, you may be able to get it more easily. A diagnosis will also allow you to get the help and treatment you require at school or at work.
People who don't receive a formal diagnosis could be struggling with low self-esteem, relationship issues and self-neglect. If not addressed, ADHD symptoms can lead to substance misuse and lead to mental health issues.
treatments for adhd in adults led ADHD waiting list initiative was established in the Glasgow region to address the high number of adult requests for an assessment of adhd. This will eventually be expanded into a more comprehensive route.