Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland
ADHD affects the lives of people at home and at work. The right diagnosis will provide you with the help that you need.
A clear diagnosis is essential in managing symptoms, and to help you achieve your goals at work or at university. We offer comprehensive private ADHD assessments to adults in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Symptoms
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD impact their daily lives. These issues can affect social and work relationships, and may lead to anxiety and depression. However, being diagnosed and treated is the first step towards a happier life. A good treatment plan can assist you in managing your symptoms so they don't get in the way of your progress.
The symptoms of ADHD are difficult to recognise in adults, and as a result they are often overlooked or misunderstood. Some symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions like dyslexia or mood disorders. Others are not recognised at all, as people's problems could be due to their age or other health issues.
It is essential to remember that the symptoms of ADHD are present throughout an adult's life which is why it is essential to recognize 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 could be connected to ADHD or other disorders, you may ask your GP to conduct an assessment. They will refer you to a mental health facility that can assess whether you meet criteria for ADHD. This could be a local mental health service or specialist neurodevelopmental services.
The process of assessment can take approximately three and a half hours, including time spent with a psychiatrist. During your appointment, the psychiatrist may ask you questions or want to speak to your family members or friends. Additionally, you will be asked to fill out several questionnaires. You can also bring your old school reports and letters to the test.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will provide you with an email that can be passed on to your GP and any other health personnel involved in your care. They will present to you the findings of your evaluation and give you advice on how to manage your symptoms. They will also provide contact information for local support groups and organisations which can provide assistance and guidance.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is somewhat more difficult than it is for children and teenagers. The condition is diagnosed by a properly qualified health professional (usually an Psychiatrist, or Clinical Psychologist). Most people with ADHD are referred for assessment by their GP. If your GP doesn't think that you're suffering from ADHD or doesn't want to refer you to a specialist, it's worth contacting the Scottish ADHD Coalition. You can download the letter of support you can hand to your GP asking for an assessment.
If you are referred your doctor will make an appointment with a clinical psychologist or Psychiatrist. The person who will conduct the assessment will request that you describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities. They will then conduct an interview format to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will also inquire about your family history of mental health issues as well as any other underlying issues you might be suffering from.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a significant step in managing your condition and increasing your quality of life. It's important to remember that a diagnosis does not mean you will be treated. The correct treatment plan can make a massive difference, but it's crucial to take the time to determine what is the most effective for you.
While the symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage It is crucial to keep in mind that there are plenty of treatment options available. These include behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and medications. These treatments can be used in isolation or in conjunction with one another. Although medication is the most effective treatment option for many, they can have adverse effects. Before you begin taking medication, talk to your psychiatrist.
A long waiting list prevents certain adults from receiving an official NHS referral to have an adult ADHD assessment. This can be frustrating especially when the NHS has invested into a nurse-led ADHD waiting list initiative in order to tackle this issue. This has seen an increase of 1000% in ADHD tests within Greater Glasgow and Clyde CMHTs over the past three years.
Treatment
The first step is to understand your symptoms and having a thorough assessment done by psychiatrist. It can be a scary prospect for some patients, however our psychiatrists know how to make you feel at peace.
If you want to, GPs can perform an initial ADHD assessment. However the fact that a lot of GPs do not have any training in neurodevelopmental conditions makes it more difficult to get an NHS referral could be more difficult than it needs to be.
If you do make an appointment, it's important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD does not alter your character as an individual. It simply explains some of the reasons you are struggling with staying on task, organising tasks or managing your emotions. Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis find it an immense relief to know why they have struggled. However, it can bring up a lot of emotions that should be explored in therapy.
Depression and anxiety are two common issues that can be triggered by unmanaged ADHD and these may be a significant influence on your professional as well as your home life. They should not be viewed as separate problems and you should ensure that your GP is aware that your difficulties result from untreated ADHD.
The treatment options for ADHD include a variety of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. Medications are generally effective in treating ADHD however they may cause adverse effects, and you should talk to your doctor about these.
It is essential to obtain the right medication and take it as prescribed. There are also a number of psychosocial interventions that can help such as therapy for families and marriages and psychoeducation. The latter is a method of informing the family about ADHD and helps them to be more effective in dealing with the issues that can be faced in relationships when someone has ADHD.
Coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy and other therapies are also often recommended. Some patients have found that these can be very helpful and particularly effective in dealing with comorbid depression and anxiety.
Support
ADHD is a chronic illness that requires long-term management. It can affect the performance of a person at work, their social functioning and mental wellbeing if not addressed. There are numerous services to help adults with ADHD available in Scotland. Both therapy and medication, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to manage symptoms. In some instances the symptoms of a person are so profound that they are unable to function normally and may require medical attention.
The most popular method to obtain an assessment for adult adhd is by an appointment with your GP. However, many GPs don't have the necessary expertise in ADHD to make a correct referral. This is partly due to the fact that neurological disorders such as ADHD are not covered 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 accurately refer.
If you decide to consult your GP it is crucial to describe your symptoms clearly and concisely. Also, ask them to think about sending you to an ADHD assessment. You should also inform your physician that you could be suffering from a comorbid illness, such as anxiety or depression.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD will not just improve your life but also help your GP to understand how best to help you in the future and could result in an increase in access to treatment for psychiatric issues if you require it. Additionally, a diagnosis can help you get the assistance and customized treatment you require at your job or at college.
Individuals who are not diagnosed may struggle with low self-esteem, relationship problems and self-neglect. Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause substance abuse and can contribute to mental health issues.
In the Glasgow area in the Glasgow region, a tiny ADHD waiting list initiative supervised by nurses has been set up to meet the demand for adult adhd assessments . The initiative will eventually be expanded to a more extensive path.