Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland
ADHD can affect people's lives at work and home. The right diagnosis can help you get the help you require.
An accurate diagnosis is important in managing symptoms and allowing you to meet your goals at work or university. We offer comprehensive private ADHD assessments for adults living in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Symptoms
For many people, the signs of ADHD impact their daily lives. These issues can impact relationships at work and with friends and can cause anxiety and depression. The first step towards an improved and healthier lifestyle is to get diagnosed and treated. A good treatment plan can assist you in managing your symptoms so they do not hinder the path of your success.
The signs of ADHD can be difficult to identify for adults, and as the result, they are often overlooked or misunderstood. Some symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other disorders such as dyslexia or mood disorders. Some are not recognized in any way, since the person's issues could be due to their age or other health issues.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD symptoms can last throughout the life of an adult. Therefore it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms in every situation. 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 might be connected to ADHD or other disorders, you could ask your GP for an evaluation. They will refer you to an expert in mental health who will determine if you are in compliance with ADHD criteria. This could be a local mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental services.
The process of assessing can take up to three hours, including one-to-one time with a psychiatrist. During the appointment, the psychiatrist will ask you questions and be inclined to talk with your family or friends. You will also be asked to complete a few questionnaires. You can also bring your old school reports and other letters to the test.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will write you a an assessment letter that can be passed on to your GP and any other health professionals who are involved in your treatment. They will provide the results of the assessment and provide advice on managing your symptoms. They will also provide you with the contact information for local organisations and support groups which can provide assistance and advice.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD for adults is a little more complex than it is for adolescents and children. 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 refuses to refer you to a specialist, it's worth contacting the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They've created a useful support letter you can print and hand to your GP, asking for a referral.
If you are referred the doctor will schedule an appointment with a clinical psychologist or Psychiatrist. The person who conducts the assessment will ask that you describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. They will then conduct an organized interview to determine whether you have ADHD. They will also ask you about your family history of mental health issues and any other conditions that you might have.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid in managing your condition and improve your overall quality of life. It's important to keep in mind that just because you've been diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean that you'll be cured. The right treatment plan makes a big difference. However, you must be patient and figure out what you can do to improve your health.
It is important to be aware that ADHD symptoms can be difficult to control There are numerous solutions available. These include medication, cognitive therapy, and behaviour therapy. These treatments can be used either in conjunction or as a single treatment. While medications are the most effective treatment for many ailments, they can also cause adverse effects. If you're considering taking medication, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor prior to beginning.
A long waiting list prevents some adults from getting an official NHS referral to have an adult ADHD assessment. This can be frustrating, especially since the NHS has invested in a nurse-led ADHD waiting list initiative to solve this problem. The initiative has seen a 1000% increase in ADHD assessments within Greater Glasgow and Clyde CMHTs in the last three years.
Treatment
The first step is understanding your symptoms and having a thorough assessment done by a psychiatrist. It's a frightening prospect for some people, however our psychiatrists know how to make you feel at peace.
If you want to, GPs can perform an initial ADHD evaluation. The fact that many GPs aren't trained in neurodevelopmental disorders can make it harder to get an NHS referral.
It is essential to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD will not change your personality. It simply explains some of the reasons you have a hard time staying on task, organising tasks or managing your emotions. Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis experience an enormous relief to know why they have struggled. It can also bring up many feelings that need to explored in therapy.
Depression and anxiety are both common problems that can be triggered by unmanaged ADHD and these may affect your professional as well as your personal life. These should not be treated as distinct issues. You should ensure that your GP is aware of the possibility that your difficulties are due to unmanaged ADHD.
Treatment options for ADHD include psychosocial and pharmaceutical interventions. The drugs are effective in treating ADHD however they can have side consequences. You should discuss them with your psychiatrist.
It is important to get the right medication and to take it as prescribed. There are also psychosocial interventions such as Family Therapy and marriage, as well as Psychoeducation, which can be beneficial. The second is to educate the family on ADHD and helping them to cope with problems that may occur when a person with ADHD is in an intimate relationship.
Other treatments that are frequently recommended include cognitive behavioural therapy and coaching. These therapies can be very beneficial for certain patients, and are particularly effective in the treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression.
Support
ADHD is a condition that requires long-term management. Without it, symptoms could affect work performance, social functioning and mental wellbeing. There are numerous services to help adults with ADHD available in Scotland. Both medication and therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can assist to manage symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms of a patient are so severe that they cannot function properly. They might require medical attention.
The most common method to receive an assessment for adult adhd is by a referral from your GP. Many GPs are not sufficiently knowledgeable about ADHD to be able to accurately refer patients. This is due in part to the fact that neurological conditions like ADHD are not covered in the mandatory training of GPs. Blandine French, a PhD student, has developed a tool that can help address this issue. It will provide GPs the information they need to make informed referrals.
If you decide to see your GP about ADHD, you should be able to explain your symptoms in a concise and clear manner and ask that they consider referring you to an ADHD assessment. It is also important to mention to them that you may also have a comorbid mental health issue, like depression or anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD will not only enhance your life, but it will help your GP to understand how best to support you in the future and may lead to an increase in your access to psychiatric treatment should you require it. Additionally private adhd assessment for adults can help you get the help and customized treatments you require at your job or at college.
The people who do not receive a formal diagnosis may suffer from low self-esteem, relationships difficulties and self-loathing. If not addressed, ADHD symptoms can lead to substance misuse and lead to mental health issues.
A small nurse led ADHD waiting list initiative was established in the Glasgow area to address the high number of adult requests for an adhd assessment. In the future, it is anticipated that this will be developed into a larger and more comprehensive process.