adhd assessment adults in Scotland
ADHD affects people's lives at home and at work. A proper diagnosis can help you get the support that you require.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to manage symptoms and for achieving your goals at work or at university. We offer comprehensive private ADHD assessments for adults in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact daily life for many people. These issues can impact the way they work and interact with others, and can lead anxiety and depression. The first step to an improved and healthier lifestyle is to be diagnosed and treated. The right treatment plan will aid you in managing your symptoms to ensure that they don't get in the way of your accomplishments.
The symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to recognise for adults, and as the result, they are often ignored or misunderstood. Certain symptoms could be misinterpreted as dyslexia or mood disorder. Some people's problems aren't identified because they may be attributed to the aging process or other health issues.
It is essential to remember that the symptoms of ADHD are present throughout an adult's life and it is necessary to identify 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 think your symptoms may be connected to ADHD, you can inquire with your GP for an assessment. They will refer to a mental health service that will determine if you are in compliance with ADHD criteria. This could be a local mental health service or specialist neurodevelopmental services.
The assessment process may take approximately three and a half hours, which includes time spent with psychiatrist. During the appointment the psychiatrist will ask you questions and may want to speak with your family members or friends. Additionally, you will be asked to fill out various questionnaires. It would also be useful to bring any old school reports or letters to the assessment.
If you're diagnosed with having ADHD, your psychiatrist can provide you with a written diagnosis that you can provide to your GP or any other health professionals involved in your treatment. They will explain to you the findings of your evaluation and give you advice on how to manage your symptoms. They will also give you contact information for local support groups and organisations that can offer help and guidance.
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing ADHD for adults can be a bit more complicated than it is for teenagers and children. A qualified health professional (usually either a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist) diagnoses the condition. The majority of people suffering from ADHD have their GP send them to an assessment. If your GP isn't convinced that you suffer from ADHD or is unwilling to make a referral it is recommended to contact the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They've put together a helpful support letter you can print and present to your GP, asking for a referral.
Following a referral, your GP will arrange an appointment with a clinical psychologist or Psychiatrist. The person who will conduct the assessment will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities. Then, they will conduct a structured interview to assess whether or not you have ADHD. They will also inquire about your family history of mental health problems, and any other conditions that you might have.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a big step in managing your condition and enhancing your quality of life. However, it's important to remember that a diagnosis doesn't mean an all-encompassing solution. The correct treatment plan can make an enormous difference. But, you have to take time to figure out what works for you.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, but there are many solutions available. These include behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and medication. These treatments can be used in isolation or in conjunction with each other. While medications are the most effective treatment for many ailments, they can also cause negative side effects. If you're considering taking medication it's a good idea discuss it with your psychiatrist prior to starting.
Some adults are not able to get an NHS referral for an adult ADHD assessment, due to long waiting lists. This can be frustrating, especially since the NHS has invested in a nurse-led ADHD waiting list initiative to solve this problem. This has resulted in a 1000% increase in ADHD assessments in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde CMHTs over the past three years.
Treatment
The first step is to understand the symptoms you are experiencing and then to get an extensive evaluation by a psychiatrist. This may be an intimidating task for some, however our psychiatrists are skilled at making you feel comfortable and at relaxed.
GPs may be able to conduct an initial ADHD assessment if you ask them to do so. However the fact that a large number of GPs don't have knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions means that getting an NHS referral can be more difficult than it needs to be.
If you do make an appointment, it is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD will not change who you are as an individual. It simply explains some of the reasons you have a hard time keeping track of your work, organizing tasks, or managing your emotions. It's a huge relief for many adults to recognize the reasons they struggled. It can also bring up numerous emotions that must be addressed in therapy.
Unmanaged ADHD can trigger depression and anxiety, which can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life. They should not be viewed as distinct issues. You must make sure that your GP is aware that your problems are due to unmanaged ADHD.
Treatment options for ADHD include psychosocial and pharmaceutical interventions. Medications are generally effective in treating ADHD but they may have side effects and you should discuss these with your physician.
It is crucial to adhere to the prescription medication. There are also a number of psychosocial interventions that can help, including therapy for families and marriages and psychoeducation. The second one is educating the family on ADHD and helping them to respond constructively to challenges that can arise when someone with ADHD is in an intimate relationship.
Coaching, adhd assessment in adults and other therapies are also often recommended. These therapies can be extremely beneficial for some patients, and are especially useful in the treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression.
Support
ADHD is an illness that requires long-term management. Without it, symptoms may impact on the performance of your job, social functioning, and mental wellbeing. The good news is that there are numerous support services for adults with ADHD in Scotland. Symptoms can be managed with both medications and therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In some cases the symptoms of a person are so profound that they are unable to function at all and may require medical intervention.
Referrals from your GP are the most common way of getting an adult adhd evaluation. However, many GPs don't have enough expertise in ADHD to make a reliable referral. This is partly due to the fact that neurological disorders such as ADHD aren't addressed as part of a GPs compulsory training. 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 decide to consult your GP about ADHD, you should describe your symptoms in a clear and concise manner and request that they consider referring you to an ADHD assessment. It is also important to mention to them that you might have a comorbid mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which can often co-exist with ADHD.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD will not only enhance your life, it will help your GP to determine how to best support you in the future and could result in an increase in access to psychiatric treatment should you need it. In addition, a diagnosis can assist you in getting the support and tailored treatments that you require at your job or at college.
Individuals who are not diagnosed may struggle with low self-esteem, relationship problems and self-neglect. Unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause substance abuse and contribute to other mental health issues.
In the Glasgow area, a small ADHD waiting list initiative led by nurses has been set up to meet the demand for adult adhd assessments. In the future, it is envisaged to expand this initiative into a more comprehensive path.