ADHD Assessments in the UK
Many people struggle to obtain an ADHD assessment, especially those who are on the NHS. This is because the system is unable to keep pace with demand.
GPs may ask about symptoms and the family history, but they are not able to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians can perform this.
Signs and symptoms
It is crucial to speak with a doctor if you suspect that your symptoms might be related to ADHD. In the UK, you can arrange to see psychiatrists who are specialist in mental illness. It is a structured and formal appointment with a physician. He will ask for an extensive psychiatric background as well as determine any other health issues that could be present with or instead of ADHD.
During your examination you will be asked to provide examples of your symptoms. You will be asked to evaluate your symptoms using a scale. All of the information you provide will be taken into consideration by the psychiatrist when deciding if you're qualified to receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be determined based on the DSM V criteria of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked to provide specific details about your symptoms, including when they began and if they occurred in your childhood. You will also be asked to describe how these symptoms affect your life and relationships particularly when you are at work or in high-stress situations.
For instance, a person with attention-deficit ADHD symptoms might find it difficult to concentrate in class or during online conference calls, and will often miss important information. This could cause tension in relationships or even a breakdown. Inattention ADHD can cause people who suffer from it to lose items like phones, wallets, or keys often. This can cause a lot of stress, because they have to search for them and delegating tasks to others.
It is also common for psychiatrists to talk with family members who know you well, and to look at historic school reports, if these are available. It can be helpful to talk to a former teacher or educational expert, especially if you're school performance has been poor.
The examination usually involves an examination of the body, and you will be asked to complete questionnaires before your appointment. You will be asked questions about your life style, mental health, and any behavioural issues you have had in the past. It is also normal for a psychiatrist consultant to be present during your appointment. This could be extremely helpful in aiding in making a diagnosis of ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD can be a challenge especially for adults. To receive the most effective treatment and support it is crucial to get the right diagnosis. A professional assessment is the initial step in obtaining the correct diagnoses. cost of adhd assessment will listen to and assess your symptoms. They will also check for any comorbid conditions that could be causing the symptoms. ADHD symptoms can cause distress and affect your quality-of-life. They could include issues with concentrating, making careless mistakes and acting impulsively. You might also have issues with time management and organisation. These issues can cause problems at school, at home or at work.
A series of talks will be held with the specialist during the assessment. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and your family's mental health history. They also employ questionnaires and rating scales to determine the extent of your ADHD. People who know you well like a partner, relative or close friend, could be sought out to gain more insights. This will help ensure that the assessment is as complete as possible.
The doctor will confirm your diagnosis if they determine that you have ADHD according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They will then talk about how your symptoms impact on your daily functioning, and also consider any other comorbid conditions you might have, such as anxiety or depression.
While the NHS offers a great service but delays in assessments can be frustrating for people with ADHD. The BBC recently reported that adults are waiting up to two years to receive an NHS diagnosis after being diagnosed by their doctors. This is due to the massive increase in demand and the limited capacity and some NHS trusts removing their waiting lists completely.
Private ADHD assessments are a better method to identify ADHD. You do not require a GP's referral to access NHS services and you can also self-refer yourself to private assessments. Many patients have noticed that it's easier to receive a private diagnosis because there aren't waiting lists, and they can save themselves the hassle of having to wait for life-changing treatment.
Treatment
After the doctor has completed their assessment, you will be informed of a possible diagnosis and treatment options. This is usually a medication-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy can also be recommended. Psychotherapy can help you develop coping skills and help you manage your symptoms, so they don't negatively impact your life. Medication will usually be prescribed as a stimulant, which enhances the way signals are transmitted between brain cells. It is usually taken in tablets with methylphenidate being most common. It can be prescribed as a modified-release or immediate-release tablet which are taken 2 or 3 times a daily. The doctor will inform you the time to take the medication. However, most patients are prescribed as long as they find it efficient.
During the examination, your doctor might also seek input from those who know you personally such as your coworkers or friends. This will allow them to collect information that was not discussed during your appointment. They will also assess whether you suffer from any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, which are common with ADHD.
If your specialist finds you to be suffering from ADHD, they will write a report which they will send to your GP. They might also suggest 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. The BBC reports that this is partly due to the fact that a lot of people don't realize that their symptoms are related to ADHD. This could lead people to be diagnosed with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
A new taskforce has been established to try to reduce waiting times and ensure that patients receive the assistance they require. The taskforce will bring together sector-wide expertise and provide joint-up solutions. However, targeted investment is required to help expand ADHD and give the resources that are required to meet demand.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long waiting list for ADHD assessments. One system programme leader informed the BBC that demand for adult ADHD assessment had risen by 700% in one year and certain areas had waiting lists of more than two years. The NHS has been working on tackling this issue, and recently established a taskforce with the aim of improving access to specialist support for people suffering from ADHD.
This should reduce the length of waiting for assessments, and it will allow clinicians to ensure that patients are referred in the most appropriate way. For example, someone who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP to a specialist opinion - because, aside from having ADHD they may also have mental health issues related to it.
The NHS provides a variety of ADHD assessments for those who are thinking about medical treatment or have been diagnosed with this condition. Most often, these assessments are carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing adult ADHD. The assessment process can take between 45 to 90 minutes, and it is usually conducted over the phone or video call.
During the examination, the doctor will ask you questions about your past experience with ADHD symptoms and your past experiences with them. The doctor will inquire about your mental state and any mental health issues you or your family have experienced. It is essential to talk about all of these issues during the examination, as it can help the clinician determine whether you may be suffering from ADHD.
The specialist will decide on the treatment plan after the assessment. This will usually include psychotherapy and medication. Other support services, like workshops and peer-support groups could also be included.
If you'd like to get an appointment faster you can visit a private healthcare provider rather than wait for the NHS. You can self-refer or in some instances, get your GP's consent. Private healthcare providers provide a easier access to specialist mental health services and appointments tend to be faster than NHS ones.