Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland
ADHD affects the lives of people at home and work. A proper diagnosis can help you get the support that you need.
An accurate diagnosis is important in managing symptoms and allowing you to meet your goals at work or university. We offer comprehensive private ADHD tests for adults in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact the daily lives of many people. These challenges can affect relationships at work and with friends and can trigger depression and anxiety. The first step towards an improved and healthier lifestyle is to get diagnosed and treated. The right treatment plan can help you manage symptoms so they do not hinder the path of your goals.
Symptoms of ADHD are difficult to recognise in adults, and as the result, they are often missed or misunderstood. Certain symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other disorders such as dyslexia or mood disorders. Other symptoms aren't recognized at all, as a person's difficulties might be due to their age or other health issues.
It is crucial to keep in mind that symptoms of ADHD are present throughout the life of an adult which is why 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.
Ask your GP to conduct an assessment if you suspect that your symptoms could be related to. They will refer you to a mental health clinic to determine if you meet criteria for ADHD. It could be a community-based mental health service or specialist neurodevelopmental services.
The process of assessment can last up to three hours, and includes one-on-one sessions with a psychiatrist. During the appointment the psychiatrist will ask you questions and may need to talk to your family members or friends. You will also be asked to complete several questionnaires. You can also bring your old school reports and other letters to the assessment.
If you're diagnosed as having ADHD, your psychiatrist can give you a written diagnosis that you can give to your GP or any other health professionals involved in your treatment. They will discuss with you the results of your examination and provide you with advice on how to manage your symptoms. They will also give you the contact information of local support groups and organizations that can provide help and advice.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is somewhat more challenging than for children and teenagers. The condition is diagnosed by a properly qualified health professional (usually a Psychiatrist or a Clinical Psychologist). The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are required to have their GP refer them for assessment. If your GP does not believe that you suffer from ADHD, or refuses to recommend you, it's worthwhile calling the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They've created a useful support letter that you can print out and give to your GP and request an appointment.
Once you're referred, your GP will set up an appointment with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. IamPsychiatry who conducts the assessment will request that you describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct a structured interview in order to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will ask you questions about any mental health issues you have in your family or other conditions that may be underlying.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a huge step in managing your condition and increasing your quality of life. However, it's important to remember that a diagnosis isn't a magic bullet. A well-planned treatment plan can make an enormous difference. But you need to take time to figure out what works for you.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD symptoms aren't always easy to manage There are numerous treatments available. These include behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and medications. These treatments can be used in isolation or in conjunction with one another. The most effective medications are effective for a large number of people, but they can also have negative side negative effects. If you're considering medication it's best to discuss it with your psychiatrist before starting.
Some adults are not able to get an NHS referral for an adult ADHD assessment, due to the long wait lists. This can be a major hassle, particularly as the NHS has invested in a nurse led ADHD waiting list initiative to tackle this problem. This has resulted in an increase of 1000% in ADHD tests within Greater Glasgow and Clyde CMHTs over the past three years.
Treatment
The first step is to comprehend your symptoms and to have a thorough assessment by psychiatrist. It can be a scary idea for some people, but our psychiatrists know how to make you feel at relaxed.
GPs may be able to perform an initial ADHD assessment if you request it. However the fact that a lot of GPs have no training in neurodevelopmental conditions makes it more difficult to get an NHS referral may be more difficult than it should be.
If you do receive an appointment, it's important to keep in mind that having a diagnosis of ADHD does not alter your character as a person. It simply explains some of the reasons you are struggling with being on task, organizing tasks or managing your emotions. Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis experience an immense relief to know why they have struggled. It can also bring up many feelings that need to discussed in therapy.
Unmanaged ADHD can trigger anxiety and depression, which can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life. You should not consider these as separate issues. Instead you should ensure that your GP knows that your difficulties may be due to unmanaged ADHD.
The treatment options for ADHD comprise a range of psychosocial and pharmacological treatments. Medications are generally effective in treating ADHD however they may cause negative side effects, so you must discuss these with your psychiatrist.
It is crucial to adhere to the prescription medication. There are also a variety of psychosocial interventions that could help such as therapy for families and marriages and psychoeducation. The latter involves teaching the family members about ADHD and assisting them to be more effective in dealing with the difficulties that may occur in a relationship when someone is diagnosed with ADHD.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching and other therapies are also often recommended. These therapies can be extremely beneficial for certain patients and are particularly effective when dealing with comorbid anxiety or depression.
Support
ADHD is an illness that requires long term management. Without it, symptoms may impact on working performance, social functioning and mental health. The good news is that there are many support services available to people suffering from ADHD in Scotland. The symptoms can be controlled by using both medication and therapy like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In some instances people's symptoms are so profound that they are not able to function properly and may require medical intervention.
The most common method to receive an adult assessment of adhd via an appointment with your GP. Many GPs are not sufficiently knowledgeable about ADHD to be able to accurately refer a patient. This is due to the fact that neurological disorders such as ADHD are not covered in GPs' mandatory training. PhD student Blandine French has developed an instrument to address this issue and provide GPs with the information they need to be able to refer patients accurately.
If you do decide to go through your GP it is crucial to explain your symptoms clearly and concisely and ask them to consider making an appointment for an ADHD assessment. It is also important to inform your physician that you could have a co-occurring condition, such as depression or anxiety.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD will not just improve your life but also help your GP to determine how best to help you in the future. This may lead to an increase in access to treatment for psychiatric issues if you require it. In addition it will help you access the assistance and customized treatment that you need in work or college.
People who don't receive a formal diagnosis may suffer from low self-esteem, relationship issues and self-denial. Unmanaged ADHD can also result in substance abuse and contribute to mental health issues.
In the Glasgow region In the Glasgow area, a small ADHD waiting list initiative led by nurses has been created to meet the demand for adult adhd assessments. This will eventually be expanded into a more comprehensive path.