Adult ADHD Assessment in Scotland ADHD affects people's lives at work and home. A proper diagnosis can assist you get the help you need. A correct diagnosis is crucial for managing symptoms, and to achieve your goals at work or at university. We offer comprehensive private ADHD assessments for adults in Edinburgh, Scotland. Symptoms ADHD symptoms can affect everyday life for a lot of people. These issues can impact social and work interactions and can cause depression and anxiety. However, getting diagnosed and treated could be the first step towards a happier life. The right treatment plan will assist you in managing your symptoms so that they don't stand in the way of your success. The signs of ADHD can be difficult to recognise for adults, and as consequently they are frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Some symptoms can be mistaken for conditions such as dyslexia or mood disorders. Others are not recognised at all, as people's problems could be attributed to age or other health issues. It is crucial to keep in mind that symptoms of ADHD are present throughout an adult's life which is why it is necessary to identify 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 suspect that your symptoms may be connected to ADHD, you could request your GP for an assessment. They will refer to an expert in mental health who can determine whether you meet ADHD criteria. This could be a community-based mental health clinic or specialized neurodevelopmental services. The assessment process may take up to three hours, which includes time spent with psychiatrist. During the appointment, the psychiatrist will ask you questions and might want to speak with your family or friends. You'll also be asked to complete some questionnaires. It is also useful to bring any old school reports or letters with you to the test. If you are diagnosed as having ADHD Your psychiatrist will give you an official diagnosis that you can provide to your GP or any other health care professionals involved in your treatment. They will explain to you the results of your assessment and give you advice on how to manage your symptoms. They will also provide you with the contact information for local organizations and support groups that can provide help and advice. Diagnosis The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be a bit more complicated than it is for adolescents and children. The condition is diagnosed by an appropriately trained health professional (usually an Psychiatrist, or Clinical Psychologist). The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are required to have their GP recommend them for an assessment. If your GP doesn't think that you're suffering from ADHD, or refuses to recommend you, it's worthwhile contacting the Scottish ADHD Coalition. They've put together a helpful support letter that you could print and hand to your GP, asking for a referral. If you are referred, your GP will arrange an appointment with an Psychiatrist or a Clinical psychologist. The person who conducts the examination will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily activities. Then, they'll conduct an organized interview to determine whether or not you have ADHD. They will also ask you about your family history of mental health problems, and any other underlying conditions you may have. Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a big step towards managing your condition and improving your quality of life. But, it's crucial to remember that a diagnosis is not an instant cure. The correct treatment plan can make an enormous difference. But you need to spend time figuring out what you can do to improve your health. While the symptoms of ADHD can be challenging to manage, it's important to remember that there are plenty of treatment options available. These include behaviour therapy as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and even medications. These treatments can be used as a stand-alone or in conjunction with each other. Although medication is the most effective treatment for a variety of but they may also have some negative side effects. If you're thinking about taking medication it's a good idea talk to your doctor prior to starting. Some adults are unable to get an NHS referral for an adult ADHD assessment due to long waiting lists. This can be a problem, especially when the NHS has invested in an nurse-led ADHD waiting list initiative to tackle this issue. In the past three years, ADHD assessments have increased by 1000% in Greater Glasgow and Clyde's CMHTs. Treatment The first step is to recognize the symptoms you are experiencing and then to get an exhaustive assessment by psychiatrist. It can be a scary possibility for some people, however our psychiatrists know how to put you at relaxed. GPs might be able to perform an initial ADHD assessment If you ask them to do so. The fact that a lot of GPs aren't trained in neurodevelopmental disorders could make it more difficult to get an NHS referral. When you do get an appointment, it's important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD does not alter the person you are as an individual. It will only explain why you may have difficulty staying focused, organising tasks, or managing your emotions. Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis find it an enormous relief to understand the reason they've struggled. However, it can also trigger a myriad of emotions that should be addressed in therapy. Depression and anxiety are two common problems that can be caused by uncontrolled ADHD and they can have a major impact on your professional life as well as your personal life. They should not be viewed as separate issues and you should ensure that your GP is aware that your difficulties result from untreated ADHD. The treatment options for ADHD comprise a range 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 follow the prescribed medication. There are also psychosocial interventions such as Family Therapy and marriage, as well as Psychoeducation, which can be beneficial. The second is to educate the family about ADHD and assisting them to cope with challenges that can occur when a person with ADHD is in an intimate relationship. Cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching and other treatments are often recommended. Some patients have found that these are extremely beneficial and are particularly useful in dealing with comorbid depression and anxiety. Support ADHD is a condition that requires long term management. If it is not managed, symptoms can impact on work performance, social functioning and mental wellbeing. There are many services to help adults with ADHD available in Scotland. Therapy and medication like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist to manage symptoms. In some instances the symptoms of a patient are so severe that they cannot perform at all. They might require medical attention. The most common method to get an assessment for adult adhd is via the recommendation of your GP. However, a lot of GPs do not have a sufficient level of expertise in ADHD to make an accurate referral. This is largely due to the fact that neurological disorders like ADHD are not part of the mandatory training for GPs. Blandine French, a doctoral student, has developed a tool that can assist in addressing this problem. It will provide GPs with the information they require to make informed referrals. If you do decide to go through your GP, it is important to explain your symptoms clearly and concisely and request them to consider referring you for an ADHD assessment. You should also mention to your physician that you could have a co-occurring condition like anxiety or depression. A diagnosis of adult ADHD will not only enhance your life, it will help your GP to determine how to best support you in the future. This could result in an increase in your access to psychiatric treatment should you require it. A diagnosis will also allow you to get the help and treatment you need at work or at college. Those without a formal diagnosis may be struggling with low self-esteem, relationship issues and self-loathing. Unmanaged ADHD symptoms can lead to substance misuse and can contribute to mental health issues. In the Glasgow region In the Glasgow area, a small ADHD waiting list initiative run by nurses has been created to meet the demand for adult adhd assessments. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ will eventually be expanded into a more comprehensive path.