Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland
ADHD is a condition that affects people's daily lives at home as well as at work. The correct diagnosis will help you get the support that you need.
A proper diagnosis is essential in managing symptoms, and for achieving your goals at school or at work. We provide comprehensive private ADHD assessments for adults in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Symptoms
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD impact their daily lives. These issues can impact work and social interactions and can cause anxiety and depression. The first step towards an improved and healthier lifestyle is to get diagnosed and treated. The best treatment plan will help you manage symptoms so they don't get in the way of your success.
The symptoms of ADHD are difficult to recognise for adults, and as the result, they are often ignored or misunderstood. Certain symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other disorders such as dyslexia or mood disorders. Some are not recognized at all, as people's problems could be attributed to age or other health issues.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD are present throughout the adult's life which is why it is crucial to detect signs 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.
Request adhd assessments for adults to conduct an assessment if you suspect that your symptoms could be related. They will refer to an expert in mental health who can determine whether you meet ADHD criteria. It could be a local mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service.
The assessment process can last up to three-and-a-half hours, which includes time 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 be asked to complete several questionnaires. You can also bring your old school reports and other letters to the test.
If you are diagnosed as having ADHD Your psychiatrist will provide you with a written diagnosis that you can give to your GP or any other health professionals involved in your treatment. They will explain to you the findings of your evaluation and offer tips on how you can manage your symptoms. They will also give you the contact details of local organizations and support groups who can offer assistance and guidance.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be somewhat more complicated than with children and teenagers. The diagnosis is made by a properly trained health professional (usually a Psychiatrist or a Clinical Psychologist). Most people with ADHD are referred for evaluation by their GP. If your GP does not believe that you suffer from ADHD or is unwilling to make a referral it is recommended to contact the Scottish ADHD Coalition. You can download the letter of support you can send to your GP to request an assessment.
If you are referred the doctor will schedule an appointment with a Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist. The person conducting the examination will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. Then, they will conduct an interview format to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD. They will also inquire about your family history of mental health problems, and any other underlying issues you might be suffering from.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a huge step in managing your condition and increasing your quality of life. It's important to keep in mind that a diagnosis isn't an all-encompassing solution. The right treatment plan makes an enormous difference. But, you have to spend time figuring out what works for you.
It's important to know that ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage There are numerous options for treatment. These include medication, cognitive behavior therapy, and behaviour therapy. These treatments can be used as a stand-alone or in conjunction with each other. They can be the most effective for a large number of people, but they may also have side effects. Before you start taking medication consult your physician.
Certain adults are unable receive a public NHS referral for an adult ADHD assessment because of long waiting lists. This can be frustrating, especially as the NHS has invested in a nurse led ADHD waiting list initiative to solve this issue. This has resulted in a 1000% increase in ADHD assessments in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde CMHTs over the last three years.
Treatment
The first step is identifying your symptoms and having an accurate assessment performed by a psychiatrist. It's a daunting prospect for some people, but our psychiatrists know how to put you at relaxed.
GPs may be able to conduct an initial ADHD assessment when you request it. The fact that many GPs are not trained in neurodevelopmental disorders may make it difficult to obtain an NHS referral.
It is essential to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD does not alter your personality. It will simply explain some of the reasons why you are struggling with staying on task, organising tasks or managing your emotions. Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis experience an enormous relief to understand the reason they've struggled. It can also trigger numerous emotions that must be explored in therapy.
Unmanaged ADHD can cause anxiety and depression, which can have a significant impact on your personal and professional lives. It is not advisable to treat these as separate issues. Instead, you should make sure your GP is aware that your problems could be caused by uncontrolled ADHD.
Treatment options for ADHD include psychosocial and pharmaceutical interventions. The medications are effective in treating ADHD but they could have side consequences. It is important to talk to your doctor about them.
It is important that you follow the prescribed medication. There are also a number of psychosocial interventions that can aid in the treatment of ADHD, such as marriage and family therapy and psychoeducation. The latter is a method of teaching the family about ADHD and assisting them to be more effective in dealing with the challenges that can arise in a relationship when a person has ADHD.
Coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy and other therapies are also often recommended. These therapies can be beneficial for some patients, and are particularly effective when dealing with comorbid anxiety or depression.
Support
ADHD is a condition that requires long term management. Without it, symptoms may affect working performance, social functioning and well-being. There are a variety of support services for adults with ADHD available in Scotland. Symptoms can be managed by using both medication and therapy like 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.
The most popular method to obtain an assessment for adult adhd is through an appointment with your GP. However, a majority of GPs don't have a sufficient level of understanding of ADHD to make a reliable referral. This is partly due to the fact that neurological disorders such as ADHD are not included in a GP's mandatory training. Blandine French, a doctoral student, has created a tool that can assist in addressing this problem. It will provide GPs the information they need to make the right referrals.
If you decide to speak with your GP regarding ADHD, you should be able to explain your symptoms in a concise and clear manner and ask them to take into consideration referring you for an ADHD assessment. You should also mention to your doctor that you might have a comorbid condition, such as anxiety or depression.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD will not just improve your life, but it will aid your GP to understand how best to support you in the future. This may lead to an increase in your access to psychiatric treatment if you need it. A diagnosis will also allow you to get the help and treatment you require at work or at college.
Individuals who are not diagnosed may struggle with low self-esteem, relationship issues and self-neglect. Unmanaged ADHD can also result in addiction to drugs and can contribute to mental health issues.
A small nurse-led ADHD waiting list initiative has been established in the Glasgow area to try and address the high number of requests for an adult adhd assessment. In the future, it is planned that this will be developed into a more comprehensive path.