A guide for an adult ADHD diagnosis
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While the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically start in early childhood, it is possible for ADHD to go undiagnosed and become problematic in adulthood. Undiagnosed ADHD is typically more common in women due to the differing ADHD symptoms the genders may experience. Symptoms of ADHD women experience can present differently in males, making the condition more difficult to spot, leading to a later in life diagnosis.
Adult ADHD symptoms are commonly seen when someone starts university or employment, and the symptoms of ADHD impede upon their functioning. As people with ADHD don’t have problems in IQ, hence are able to function relatively well in school, the increasing need to be focused and organised in adulthood can prevent them from fulfilling their potential.
Thankfully, there is an ADHD assessment for adults available so that ADHD can be diagnosed later on in life.
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD in adulthood, there are steps that you can take to get an ADHD adult diagnosis and seek treatment, so that it doesn’t affect your ability to function in your day-to-day life.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a difficult and lengthy process, so only mental health professionals who are experienced and trained can assess and diagnose the symptoms.
When you want to know how to get diagnosed with ADHD, the first step you should take is to book an appointment with your GP. Discuss how you are feeling, the symptoms you are experiencing and the impact that they are having on your life. Your GP will then be able to look into the treatment available within your area.
Your GP may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you wish, you can also contact Priory yourself to organise an appointment with one of our accredited ADHD consultants, who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD.
Typically before the assessment, you and a close family member, partner or close friend will be required to fill in a questionnaire. The questionnaire is simple and asks for a rating on certain behaviours at various stages of your life, and in different social circumstances.
The ADHD assessment is slightly longer than a routine psychiatric assessment and can take up to two sessions to come to a conclusive diagnosis. It is characterised by a structured clinical interview with an expert, and it is always helpful to have a family member for collateral information, although not essential.
The assessment will focus a lot on your school age, as well as adulthood. It will mainly concentrate on different areas of functioning, and how your symptoms impact on your current life. The structured interview asks for examples of certain types of symptoms, for example, difficulty in organising tasks or meeting deadlines.
"About 4% of the adult population have ADHD, while fewer than 0.5% have a diagnosis."
Read more about the importance and standards of ADHD diagnosis here.
While most adults will experience some of these symptoms from time-to-time, when these are persistent, impacting on your day-to-day life and are something you’ve experienced since childhood, this could be a sign of ADHD.
Some common symptoms of ADHD in adults include the following:
If you receive an assessment and a positive diagnosis, you will be able to talk about next steps with either your GP or the specialist who provided you with your diagnosis. There are a number of options that are available to you:
At Priory, a post-diagnostic package of care can be put together to provide you with the appropriate therapy and medication to help you manage symptoms of ADHD better.
As well as offering adult ADHD diagnoses at Priory, we also recognise the importance of supporting adults who are navigating life with ADHD, either through personal experience or as parents of children with the condition. That's why we also offer a dedicated coaching programme for parents of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Parenting a child with ADHD comes with a unique set of challenges that can evolve as the child grows and develops. These challenges can sometimes be difficult to manage alone, which is why we’re here to help.
Our online family support groups are specifically designed for parents of children aged 5 to 14 who have been diagnosed with ADHD. These groups provide a space for support and advice, as well as teaching vital communication skills to help parents better understand and assist their children.
The programme comprises six online sessions, which means you can participate from the comfort of your own home, from anywhere in the UK. The sessions can also be flexible around your childcare, work and other personal commitments. Each session covers a specific topic:
Before joining the programme, you’ll be invited to a one-off free assessment with a qualified therapist. This helps us to understand your specific needs and those of your child, so we can ensure we tailor your support effectively.
This programme forms part of our broader commitment to supporting families and adults affected by ADHD, providing comprehensive care from diagnosis through to ongoing support.
For more information and to download our full brochure on coaching for parents of children with ADHD, please click here.
We are a registered and approved provider for all of the UK's leading private medical insurers. All of the services we offer at Priory can be funded through private medical insurance. This includes:
All clients will have access to our highly skilled and accredited clinicians, many of whom are published experts in their fields of treatment. Whatever your requirements, we're committed to working with you to get your life back on track.