ADHD Assessments in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult for many people, especially those who require access to the NHS. This is due to the fact that the system struggles to meet the demand.
GPs may ask about symptoms and family history but they aren't qualified to diagnose or conduct an assessment. Only doctors can do this.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to ADHD it is important to seek medical advice. In the UK you can make arrangements to meet with an experienced psychiatrist who is a specialist in mental illness. It is a formal and structured appointment with a physician who will take a complete mental health history and also identify any other health conditions that might be present alongside or instead of ADHD.
During your examination, you will be asked to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. You will be asked to rate your symptoms using the scale. All of the information you provide will be taken into consideration by the psychiatrist in determining if you are eligible to receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be determined based on the DSM V criteria of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder/Deficit.
You will be asked for details of the symptoms you have, including how long you have been experiencing them and whether they started in childhood. You will also be asked to explain how these symptoms impact on your life and relationships especially when you are at work or in high-stress situations.
For example, someone with inattentive ADHD symptoms might have difficulty concentrating in class or during online conference calls, and may often miss out on important information. This can lead to tensions in relationships or even breaking down. Inattentive ADHD can also cause those who suffer from it to lose things like phones, wallets, or keys frequently. This can create a lot of stress since people have to spend a lot of time searching for them and delegating their tasks to others.
The psychiatrist will also speak with family members and review old school reports if they are available. It may be beneficial to talk to an ex-teacher or educational professional, particularly if your school's performance has been low.
You will be asked to fill out questionnaires prior to your appointment. You will be asked about your lifestyle, mental health and any behavioural issues you have had in the past. When you visit the doctor, it is normal for psychiatrists to observe you. This is extremely beneficial in identifying ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
It can be challenging to determine ADHD especially for adults. It is essential to have the correct diagnosis to receive the proper treatment and help. A professional assessment is the initial step in obtaining the correct diagnoses. A good psychiatrist will listen and evaluate your symptoms. They will also search for comorbid conditions which may cause symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD can impact your life quality and cause anxiety. These symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, making careless errors and acting impulsively. There is also a possibility of having difficulty with time management and organisation. adhd assessment uk cost can cause problems at home, school or work.
A medical assessment involves several conversations with the doctor. They will ask you questions about your life style, medical history, and your family's mental health history. They will also utilize questionnaires and rating scales to collect information about your ADHD symptoms. To gain more insight you might be asked to provide input from those who know you well. This could be a spouse, a parent or a close family member. This can help ensure that the assessment is as complete as possible.
The specialist will confirm your diagnosis if they determine that you suffer from ADHD using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They will then discuss how your symptoms impact on your daily life and look into any comorbidities you might have, such as anxiety or depression.
The NHS provides a fantastic service, but delays in assessments can be very frustrating for those who suffer from ADHD. The BBC recently reported that adults have waited up to two years for an NHS diagnosis after being recommended by their doctors. This is due to the huge rise in demand and limited capacity as well as some NHS trusts closing their waiting lists completely.
Private ADHD assessments are a better way to diagnose ADHD. You do not need an appointment with your doctor to access NHS services and you can also self-refer yourself to private assessments. Many patients discover that a private diagnosis is faster since there aren't any waiting lists. They can also avoid the stress of waiting in line for life-changing treatments.
Treatment
After the specialist has completed their assessment, you will be informed of a potential diagnosis and any treatment options. This is usually a medical-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy can also be recommended. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies for coping and managing your symptoms to ensure they don't affect your life in the same way. The medication is usually prescribed as a stimulant which improves the way that signals are passed between brain cells. It's often taken in tablets, with methylphenidate being the most commonly used. It can be prescribed as a modified-release tablet or immediate-release that are taken two or three times a daily. The doctor will explain the duration you should take the medication, however the majority of patients are prescribed it for so long as they are effective.
During the assessment the doctor will also ask for input from individuals who are familiar with you like your coworkers and family members. This will help them collect information that might not have been disclosed during your consultation. They will also evaluate whether you suffer from comorbid disorders that typically occur with ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
If your specialist diagnoses you with ADHD, they will draft a report that they will send to your GP. They may recommend referral to another specialist to continue care and support.
BBC reports that the NHS has had a hard time meeting the demand for ADHD assessments in recent years. This is due in part to the fact that many people don't realize their symptoms are related to ADHD which could lead to them being assessed for a different illness, such as depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce was created to reduce waiting time and ensure that patients get the assistance they require. The taskforce will bring together sector-wide expertise and provide joint-up solutions. But targeted investment is needed to increase the number of people with ADHD and give the resources that are required to meet the demands.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long wait for ADHD assessments. In fact, one programme director informed the BBC that the amount of demands for adult ADHD assessments has increased by 700% in a year, and some areas were experiencing wait times of more than two years. The NHS has been working on this issue and recently launched a taskforce to improve access to specialist support for adult ADHD sufferers.
This will help reduce the length of time needed for assessments and allow the clinician to refer patients in the most appropriate way. For instance, someone who has a family history of ADHD should be referred by their GP to a specialist opinion, because, aside from having ADHD they may also have mental health issues related to it.
The NHS offers a range of ADHD assessments for people who are contemplating seeking medical treatment or who have already been diagnosed with the condition. These tests are usually performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist, or any other professional who has experience diagnosing adult ADHD. The assessment can last between 45 and 90 mins and is usually done via phone or video call.
During the assessment, the clinician will discuss with you your history with ADHD symptoms as well as your previous experiences of them. The counselor will ask you about your mental state and any mental health issues that you or your family members have had. It is important that you discuss these issues during the examination. This will allow the doctor to determine if you are suffering from ADHD.
The doctor will determine the treatment plan following the assessment. This usually includes psychotherapy and medication. Other support services, such as workshops and peer-support groups may also be included.
If you'd like to get an assessment quicker you can visit an individual healthcare provider rather than waiting for the NHS. You can self-refer or in some instances, get the consent of your GP. Private healthcare providers offer the direct access to specialist mental health care. These appointments are often shorter than NHS ones.