adhd assessments for adults in Scotland
ADHD affects people's lives at work and home. The correct diagnosis will provide you with the help you require.
A clear diagnosis is essential for managing symptoms, and to achieve your goals at school or at work. We offer comprehensive private ADHD assessments to adults in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Signs and symptoms
For many, the symptoms of ADHD impact their daily lives. These challenges can interfere with work and social relationships, and may lead to anxiety and depression. However, being diagnosed and treated is the first step towards living a more enjoyable life. A good treatment plan can assist you in managing your symptoms to ensure that they don't get in the way of your success.
Adults may have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of ADHD. Because of this they are often misunderstood or ignored. Certain symptoms may be mistaken for conditions such as dyslexia or mood disorders. Some people's difficulties are not recognized at all because they may be attributed to age or other health issues.
It is essential to remember that symptoms of ADHD are present throughout the adult's life, and so it is crucial to detect symptoms in all settings. 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 might be connected to ADHD, you may ask your GP for an assessment. They will refer you to a mental health service that can determine whether you meet ADHD criteria. It could be a local mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service.
The process of assessment can last up to three hours, which includes one-on-one sessions with a psychiatrist. During the appointment, the psychiatrist will ask you questions and need to talk to your family or friends. Additionally, you will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires. You can also bring your old school reports and supporting letters to the assessment.
If you are diagnosed as having ADHD, your psychiatrist can provide you with an official diagnosis which you can present to your GP or any other health care professionals involved in your treatment. They will provide the results of the evaluation and offer suggestions on how to manage your symptoms. They will also provide you with the contact information of local support groups and organisations which can provide assistance and assistance.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is a little more challenging than for children and teenagers. A certified health professional (usually or a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist) diagnoses the condition. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are required to have their GP refer them for assessment. If your GP doesn't believe you have ADHD, or refuses to refer you to a specialist, it's worth making contact with the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They've put together a helpful support letter that you could print out and give to your GP, asking for a referral.
Once you're recommended by your doctor, they will arrange an appointment with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The person conducting the examination will request that you describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. Then, they will conduct a structured interview to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD. They will ask you questions about any mental health issues you have in your family and other conditions that may be underlying.
A diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage your condition and improve your quality. It's important to keep in mind that just because you've been diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean that you'll be cure. The right treatment plan makes a big difference. However, you must spend time figuring out what works for you.
While the symptoms of ADHD can be challenging to manage it is important to remember that there are plenty of treatment options available. These include behavior therapy as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and even medications. These treatments can be used in isolation or in conjunction with each other. Although medication is the most effective treatment for many, they can have side effects. If you're thinking about taking medication it's best to talk to your doctor prior to starting.
A long waiting list prevents certain adults from receiving a public NHS referral to undergo 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. 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 the symptoms you are experiencing and then to get a thorough assessment by psychiatrist. It's a frightening possibility for some people, but our psychiatrists are able to put you at peace.
The GP may be able conduct an initial ADHD assessment if you request it. The fact that many GPs aren't trained in neurodevelopmental disorders can make it difficult to get an NHS referral.
If you do receive an appointment, it's important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD will not change the person you are as a person. It's just a way of understanding the reasons you might have trouble keeping track of your tasks, or managing your emotions. Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis feel a huge relief to finally be able to understand why they've struggled. However, it can bring up a lot of emotions that must be explored in therapy.
Depression and anxiety are two common problems that can be triggered by unmanaged ADHD and can affect your professional life and your personal life. These are not to be considered as separate problems and you must ensure that your GP is aware of the possibility that your issues result from untreated ADHD.
Treatment options for ADHD include psychosocial and pharmaceutical interventions. The medications are effective in treating ADHD however they can have adverse consequences. You should discuss them with your psychiatrist.
It is important to get the correct medication and take it as prescribed. There are also psychosocial interventions, such as Family Therapy and marriage therapy, and Psychoeducation that can be helpful. The latter involves teaching the family about ADHD and helps them respond more constructively to the issues that can arise in a relationship when a person has ADHD.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching and other treatments are often recommended. Some patients find that these are very beneficial and especially useful in addressing comorbid depression and anxiety.
Support
ADHD is a condition that requires a long-term treatment. If it is not managed, symptoms can impact on the performance of your job, social functioning and mental wellbeing. The good news is that there are a variety of support services for adults suffering from ADHD in Scotland. The symptoms can be controlled with both medications and therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In some cases the symptoms of a person are so severe that they can't perform at all. They might require medical attention.
Referrals from your GP are the most common method of getting an adult adhd evaluation. A lot of GPs do not have enough knowledge about ADHD to accurately refer patients. This is due in part to the fact that neurological disorders such as ADHD are not part of the mandatory training for GPs. Blandine French, a PhD student, has developed a tool that can assist in addressing this problem. adhd assessments for adults will provide GPs with the information they require to make the right referrals.
If you decide to go through your GP it is crucial to describe your symptoms clearly and concisely. Also, ask them to think about making an appointment for an ADHD assessment. It is also worth mentioning 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 not only improve your life, but it will assist your GP to determine how best to support you in the future and may lead to an increase in access to treatment for psychiatric issues if you need it. In addition to this it can assist you in getting the help and customized treatments you require at work or college.
Individuals who are not diagnosed might struggle with low self-esteem, relationship problems and self-loathing. Untreated ADHD symptoms can also cause substance abuse and lead to mental health issues.
A small nurse led ADHD waiting list initiative was established in the Glasgow area to tackle the high volume of adult adhd assessment. In the future, it is envisaged that this will be developed into a more comprehensive pathway.