Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland
ADHD can affect people's lives at home and at work. The correct diagnosis will provide you with the help that you need.
A correct diagnosis is crucial for managing symptoms, and for achieving your goals at university or work. We provide comprehensive private ADHD assessments to adults in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Signs and symptoms
For many people, the signs of ADHD can affect their daily lives. These issues can impact work and social relationships, and may lead to anxiety and depression. The first step towards an improved and healthier lifestyle is to get diagnosed and treated. The best treatment plan will assist you in managing your symptoms so they don't hinder your pursuit of your success.
Adults may have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of ADHD. As a result they are often misunderstood or overlooked. Some symptoms can 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 keep in mind that ADHD symptoms can last throughout an adult's lifetime. 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 could be related to ADHD, you can ask your GP for an assessment. They will refer you to an expert in mental health who can determine if you meet ADHD criteria. It could be a local mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service.
The process of assessment can take approximately three and a half hours, which includes time with a psychiatrist. During the appointment, the psychiatrist will ask you questions and might be inclined to talk with your family or friends. In addition, you will be asked to fill out a number of questionnaires. It is also beneficial to bring any old school reports or letters to the test.
If you are diagnosed as having ADHD, your psychiatrist can give you an assessment in writing that you can provide to your GP or any other health professionals involved in your treatment. They will explain the results of the evaluation and offer advice on managing your symptoms. They will also provide the contact information of local organisations and support groups who can offer assistance and guidance.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is slightly more difficult than it is with children and teenagers. A certified health professional (usually either a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist) diagnoses the condition. The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are referred for assessment by their GP. If your GP doesn't believe you have ADHD or is unable to refer you to a specialist, it's worth making contact with the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They've put together a helpful support letter you can print and present to your GP to request an appointment.
Following a referral your doctor will make an appointment with a Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist. The person carrying out the assessment will ask you to describe your symptoms, as well as how they affect your daily activities. They will then conduct a structured interview in order to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will ask you about any mental health issues you have in your family and other underlying issues.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a huge step in managing your condition and increasing your quality of life. But, it's important to keep in mind that a diagnosis is not an all-encompassing solution. A proper treatment plan can make a massive difference, but it's crucial to spend the time to determine what is the most effective for you.
While the symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage it is important to remember that there are a lot of treatment options available. These include behaviour therapy as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and even medications. These treatments can be used in isolation or together. While medications are the most effective treatment option for many ailments, they can also cause adverse effects. Before you begin taking medications discuss it with your doctor.
A long waiting list prevents certain adults from receiving an official NHS referral to undergo an adult ADHD assessment. This can be a major hassle, particularly since the NHS has invested in a nurse led ADHD waiting list initiative to address this issue. In adhd assessment for adults uk iampsychiatry.uk , ADHD assessments have increased by 1000% in Greater Glasgow and Clyde's CMHTs.
Treatment
The first step is to recognize your symptoms and have a thorough assessment by psychiatrist. It's a frightening idea for some patients, however our psychiatrists know how to make you feel at relaxed.
If you ask, GPs can perform an initial ADHD assessment. The fact that many GPs are not trained in neurodevelopmental disorders could make it difficult to get an NHS referral.
When you do get an appointment, it's important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD will not change your character as a person. It is simply a description of the reasons why you are struggling with staying on task, organising tasks, or managing your emotions. Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis experience an enormous relief to be able to understand why they've struggled. It can also bring up many emotions that should be addressed in therapy.
Depression and anxiety are both common problems that can be caused by uncontrolled ADHD and these may have a major impact on your professional and your personal life. These should not be treated as separate issues and you should ensure that your GP is aware that your issues result from untreated ADHD.
The treatment options for ADHD include a range of psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. The drugs are effective in treating ADHD, but they may cause side effects. You should discuss these with your physician.
It is essential to obtain the right medication and to adhere to the prescriptions. There are also a variety of psychosocial interventions that may aid in the treatment of ADHD, such as therapy for family and marriage, and psychoeducation. The second involves educating the family members about ADHD and assisting them to cope with the challenges that may arise when someone with ADHD is in a relationship.
Coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy and other therapies are also often recommended. These therapies can be beneficial for some patients, and are particularly beneficial when addressing comorbid anxiety and depression.
Support
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. The symptoms can impact work performance, social function and mental health if they are not addressed. The good news is that there are numerous support services for people suffering from ADHD in Scotland. Symptoms can be managed by using both medication and therapy like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In some instances the symptoms of a person are so severe that they cannot perform at all. They might require medical attention.
Referrals from your GP are the most popular method of getting an adult ADHD evaluation. A lot of GPs do not have enough knowledge about ADHD to be able to accurately refer to a patient. This is partly due to the fact that neurological conditions like ADHD are not included in the mandatory training for GPs. PhD student Blandine French has developed a tool to help tackle this issue and provide GPs with the necessary information to be able to refer patients accurately.
If you do decide to consult your GP, it is important to present your symptoms clearly and concisely. You should also ask them to think about making an appointment for an ADHD assessment. It is also important to mention to them that you could also have a comorbid mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which can often co-exist with ADHD.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can make a difference in your life. It will also help your GP determine how they can assist you in the future. If you need treatment for psychiatric issues, you might be able to access it quicker. A diagnosis will also allow you to receive the support and tailored treatment you need at school or at work.
Individuals who are not diagnosed may be struggling with low self-esteem, relationship problems and self-loathing. If not addressed, ADHD symptoms can also lead to substance misuse and contribute to other mental health issues.
A small nurse led ADHD waiting list initiative has been established in the Glasgow area to try and tackle the high volume of requests for an adult adhd assessment. The plan is to eventually expand into a more comprehensive route.