Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland
ADHD affects the lives of people at home and at work. The right diagnosis will help you get the support that you need.
An accurate diagnosis is important for managing symptoms and enabling you to achieve your goals at school or work. We offer comprehensive private ADHD tests for adults in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can affect the daily lives of many people. These challenges can affect relationships at work and with friends and can cause depression and anxiety. The first step towards an improved and healthier lifestyle is to get diagnosed and treated. The best treatment plan will aid in managing symptoms so that they don't get in the way of your progress.
Adults can have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of ADHD. This is why, they are often misunderstood or overlooked. Some symptoms can be mistaken for conditions such as dyslexia or mood disorders. Others are not recognised in any way, since people's problems could be attributed to their age or other health issues.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD are present throughout the adult's life and it is crucial to detect 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 related to ADHD, you can inquire with your GP to conduct an assessment. 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 process of assessment can take up to three hours, including time spent with a psychiatrist. During the appointment the psychiatrist will ask you questions and might want to speak with your family members or friends. You'll be asked to fill out some questionnaires. It would also be useful to bring any older school reports or letters with you to the test.
If you're diagnosed with having ADHD Your psychiatrist will provide you with an official diagnosis which you can present to your GP or any other health professionals involved in your treatment. They will present to you the results of your examination and offer suggestions on how to manage your symptoms. They will also provide you with contact details of local support groups and organisations that can provide help and advice.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be a little more difficult than it is for teenagers and children. A certified health professional (usually either a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist) diagnoses the condition. The majority of people suffering from ADHD have their GP recommend them for an assessment. If your GP doesn't believe you have ADHD or is unable to recommend you, it's worthwhile making contact with the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They've created a useful support letter that you could print out and give to your GP to request a referral.
Once you're advised by your doctor, you will schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. The person who conducts the assessment will request to know what your symptoms are and how they impact your daily activities. Then, they'll conduct a structured interview to assess whether or not you have ADHD. They will also inquire about your family history of mental health issues and any other underlying conditions you might be suffering from.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a big step towards managing your condition and enhancing your quality of life. But, it's crucial to remember that a diagnosis doesn't mean an instant cure. The correct treatment plan can make a big difference. But, you have to spend time figuring out what you can do to improve your health.
It is important to be aware that ADHD symptoms aren't always easy to manage However, there are a variety of solutions available. These include behaviour therapy as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and even medications. These treatments can be used individually or in combination. While medications are the most effective treatment option for many, they can have adverse effects. If you're thinking about taking medication it's a good idea to discuss it with your psychiatrist before starting.
Some adults are not able to get a public NHS referral for an adult ADHD assessment, due to long waiting lists. This can be frustrating particularly since the NHS has invested into an initiative led by nurses ADHD waiting list initiative to tackle this issue. In the past three years, 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. It's a daunting possibility for some, but our psychiatrists are able to make you feel at peace.
If you inquire the GP, they can carry out an initial ADHD assessment. The fact that many GPs are not trained in neurodevelopmental disorders can make it more difficult to get an NHS referral.
It is crucial to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD does not alter your personality. It will simply explain some of the reasons you are struggling with staying on task, organising tasks, or managing your emotions. Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis feel an immense relief to know why they have struggled. However, it can also trigger a myriad of emotions that must be explored in therapy.
Anxiety and depression are frequent problems that are caused by uncontrolled ADHD and these may have a major impact on your professional as well as your personal life. It is not advisable to consider these as separate issues. Instead you should ensure that 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. The majority of medications are effective in treating ADHD but they may have side effects and you should discuss these with your psychiatrist.
It is essential to follow the prescribed medication. There are also a variety of psychosocial interventions that can aid in the treatment of ADHD, such as therapy for families and marriages and psychoeducation. The latter is a method of teaching the family members about ADHD and helps them to respond more effectively to the issues that can arise in a relationship when someone is diagnosed with ADHD.
Other therapies that are often recommended include cognitive behavior therapy and coaching. Certain patients find that they are very beneficial and especially useful in addressing comorbid depression and anxiety.
Support
ADHD is an illness that requires long term management. The symptoms can impact the performance of a person at work, their social functioning and mental health if they are not managed. The good news is that there are numerous support services available to adults suffering from ADHD in Scotland. Symptoms can be managed by using both medication and therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In some instances people's symptoms are so profound that they are not able to function at all and might require medical treatment.
Referrals from your GP are the most common method of getting an assessment of adult adhd. However, many GPs don't have the necessary expertise in ADHD to make a correct referral. This is partly because neurological conditions such as ADHD are not covered as part of a GPs compulsory training. Blandine French, a doctoral student, has created a tool that can assist in addressing this problem. It will provide GPs the necessary information to make the right referrals.
If you decide to speak with your GP about ADHD it is important to be able to explain your symptoms in a concise and clear manner and request 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 condition such as anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can make a difference in your life. It will also aid your GP understand how to support you in the near future. If you require medical attention, you may be able to access it more easily. A diagnosis can also help you receive the support and tailored treatment you need at work or at college.
Those who do not receive a formal diagnosis could be struggling with low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and self-neglect. Untreated ADHD symptoms can also lead to substance misuse and can contribute to mental health issues.
In the Glasgow region in the Glasgow region, a tiny ADHD waiting list initiative supervised by nurses has been set up to address the high demand for adult adhd assessments . In the future, it is envisaged to expand this initiative into a more comprehensive pathway.