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ADHD Diagnosis – Celebrities Help Remove the Stigma Celebrities like Simone Biles, Adam Levine and others have opened up about their experiences with ADHD. This has helped to remove the stigma associated with the condition. For many, being diagnosed with ADHD is a life-changing experience. A diagnosis on the NHS begins with a specialized assessment by either a psychiatric or a psychologist (as as per Nice guidelines). This will involve an hour-long to 90-minute interview. Finding a diagnosis ADHD diagnosis is the first step in gaining control of symptoms that can cause havoc on your life, at home and at work. If you're constantly losing your keys, struggling to complete tasks at work, or arguing with family members about your excessive spending, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is vital. A thorough clinical assessment by a seasoned Consultant Psychiatrist can help you reach a correct diagnosis. You can either self-refer or get referred by your GP to visit a psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD However, the process will be different depending on which route you take. If you self-refer, you may have to pay for the test yourself which is known as going private. If your doctor recommends you, it's free. In a lengthy interview with you, the psychiatrist will discuss your history of symptoms. They will also request feedback from those who are familiar with you, like teachers, family members and colleagues. During the interview they will ask you to assess how your symptoms impact on your everyday functioning in a variety of situations. They will also investigate any recent issues, such as relationships or work issues. They will also ask about any mental health concerns that you may be suffering from. Your doctor will recommend you to the NHS for an ADHD assessment. The test typically includes an hour-long discussion with psychiatrist or specialist nurse, as well as ADHD questionnaires. Some NHS doctors will arrange for additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities testing if required. If your GP confirms that you suffer from ADHD then he will refer you to a specialist for further assessment. He could prescribe medication if needed. You could also ask for an appointment with a private clinic like Priory, who have consultants who have extensive experience in diagnosing adult ADHD and providing effective treatment for the condition. However, NHS services are stretched and it can be a challenge to get a referral for an assessment, particularly in the event that your GP is not familiar with ADHD. Doctors who aren't aware of adult ADHD may not be able to provide you with the help and assistance you require and some might even refuse to diagnose it. By raising awareness and selecting the most appropriate GP you can increase your chances of getting a thorough evaluation. Medication The use of medication can help those with ADHD focus better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants, such lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, are usually prescribed. Other medications such as atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and antidepressants, such as bupropion, can be prescribed when stimulants fail to perform or cause serious adverse effects. Certain people suffering from ADHD are able to see that changes in diet or taking supplements may help alleviate their symptoms. These approaches should be used only under medical supervision and with the help of an experienced dietitian. These methods have not been proved to be effective and should not be used in lieu of a medical treatment. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD for both children and adults is medication. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD don't stop taking their medication without seeking a doctor's advice. Medicines can have dangerous, sometimes life-threatening effects if it is stopped too quickly or if it is not taken as directed. Therapy can be a beneficial way to manage ADHD symptoms in addition to medication. Psychological counselling, known as psychotherapy, can help teens, children and adults come to terms with their diagnosis and learn to live with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that assists people change their negative thoughts and behavior into more positive ones. Counselling for family and marriage can be useful for adults with ADHD, as it can assist them in dealing with the issues that arise in their relationships. Despite the difficulties many people with ADHD achieve success at work and in their relationships. The disorder can cause problems in careers and education, but can also enable people to gain a unique perspective of the world. For example, the hyperactivity and impulsiveness of ADHD can allow people to see the details that others do not and can help them be more successful in creative fields. The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to see your GP and have an open and honest discussion about your symptoms. Bring along any notes that you've written regarding your symptoms as well as instances of how they've affected your daily life. The GP will then decide if they want to refer you to an NHS evaluation or to a different mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist. If you reside in England you can select the NHS mental healthcare provider you want. Therapy ADHD symptoms may present differently in adults, and this can make it difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. You can find an ADHD specialist online, or in some instances, a general practitioner may be willing to recommend one to you. However it's not always the case, and waiting times are often long, especially if you live in England or Wales where NHS guidelines require them to provide an ADHD service. Alternatively, you can pay for an independent diagnosis and treatment. This isn't without risks though since many GPs won't allow you to receive medication if you've already been diagnosed privately, so it's important to do your research first. It can take an extended time to receive an ADHD diagnosis, and adults often have a more difficult time obtaining one than children. This is because it's generally not believed that ADHD can be diagnosed until adulthood, and also because GPs tend to view adults who present with ADHD symptoms as “failures” or “problematic”. However, there are key gatekeepers in the healthcare system that can help patients access diagnosis and treatment. Teachers, social workers, youth workers and police officers are just a few examples of these individuals. They have regular contact with many young people and are more able to recognize signs than their parents. They are often impeded by their own prejudices. For instance, they may overemphasize the role of poor diet and the home environment in causing ADHD symptoms. It can be challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, especially if you're multiple neurodivergent (such as having both ADHD and autism) or when your mental health was previously diagnosed. This is due to the fact that these conditions may sometimes overlap with each and make it difficult to determine which one you're suffering from. Fortunately, the NHS has created a new pathway for ADHD assessments which is designed to decrease waiting times. It's known as the “right to choose” pathway, and it enables you to select your personal therapist for an NHS-funded test. This means that if your home is in England it will be easier to obtain an ADHD assessment than it was in the past. Support ADHD Aware conducted an investigation recently and found that people suffering from the condition often find it difficult to deal with. Many people report that it makes them feel like they are failing or that they aren't worthy of treatment. Others are confused about how to manage their symptoms and be struggling with work or family life. They could also be misinterpreted and lose their job as a result. Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to recognise and comprehend, meaning that they are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions. This can lead people to be treated in a way that is not appropriate, for example, antidepressants, which can have severe side-effects. If you're worried that you or someone you know has ADHD, it is important to talk to your doctor immediately. They can refer you to them and arrange for a test. The results of the test will allow you to determine if medication or therapy is required. Adults with ADHD require access to quality support services. This is because the condition can create significant issues in all aspects of their lives, from academic performance to relationships and career progression. It can also lead to anxiety and depression. Despite this, NHS trusts struggle to provide the right services. Some trusts in the NHS are not able to meet demand, and have long waiting times. Adults with ADHD can be referred their local NHS mental health services by their GP however, this can be time-consuming. If you want to accelerate the process, you could inquire with your GP about exercising your right to select and request that they refer you to a private practitioner. IamPsychiatry is a faster and more cost-effective option. It is worthwhile to check the waiting lists in your area to see what the waiting times are for ADHD tests. The longer you sit longer, the more difficult it will be to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. It is also worth talking to a psychologist who specialises in the condition, or asking your GP to refer you to one. They may be able evaluate you faster than a psychiatrist.