ADHD Assessments in the UK
Many people struggle to get an ADHD assessment, especially those who are on the NHS. This is because the system is unable to keep up with the demand.
GPs are able to inquire about symptoms and family history however they are unable to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians are able to perform this.
Symptoms
If you believe that your symptoms could be related to ADHD it is important to seek out medical advice. In the UK you can make arrangements to see a psychiatrist who is a specialist in mental illness. It is a structured and formal appointment with a doctor. He will ask for an entire psychiatric history and determine any other health conditions that could be present with or in conjunction with ADHD.
During your examination, you will be asked to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. You will be asked to assess your symptoms using an appropriate scale. All of this information will be considered by the psychiatrist in determining if you are eligible for 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 give specific details about the symptoms you experience, such as how long you've been suffering from them and if they began in your childhood. You will also be asked to describe how these symptoms impact on your life and relationships particularly when you are at work or in high-stress situations.
People with inattention ADHD might struggle to concentrate in class or during an online conference call and also miss important information. book adhd assessment can lead to tensions in relationships or even a breakdown. Inattention ADHD symptoms can also cause people to lose items often, like keys, phones or wallets. This can cause a lot stress as people spend time searching for them and assigning their tasks to others.
It is also usual for the psychiatrist to speak with relatives who know you well and to review old school reports, if they are available. It is helpful to speak to a former teacher or an educational professional, especially if your school's performance has been abysmal.
You will be asked to complete questionnaires prior to your appointment. They will inquire about your lifestyle and mental health, and will include questions about any behavioral issues you have had in the past. It is also common for a psychiatrist-in-consultation to observe you during your appointment, and this could be extremely helpful in aiding in the diagnosis of ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD isn't easy particularly for adults. To receive the most effective treatment and support it is essential to get the correct diagnosis. A professional assessment is the initial step towards obtaining the proper diagnosis. A professional psychiatrist will listen to you and evaluate the symptoms that are causing you issues. They will also search for comorbidities that may be causing the symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD can impact your quality of life and cause stress. These symptoms include difficulties in concentration, making mistakes and acting impulsively. There is also a possibility of having difficulty with time management and organisation. These issues can cause problems at school, at home or at work.
An assessment will consist of a series of conversations with the specialist. They will ask you questions about your life style, medical history, and your family's mental health history. They will also use questionnaires and rating scales to determine the extent of your ADHD. People who are familiar with you such as a spouse or close friend, may also be sought out to gain more insight. This can help ensure that the assessment is as complete as it can be.
If the doctor determines you suffer from ADHD They will apply the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 to confirm the diagnosis. They will talk about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will also take into consideration any comorbid disorders you might suffer from, like anxiety or depression.
While the NHS provides an excellent service but delays in assessments can be frustrating for people with ADHD. BBC reported that a few adults waited as long as two years to receive an NHS diagnosis after a referral from their doctors. The BBC reported that some adults have waited up to two years to receive an NHS diagnosis after being referred by their doctor.
Fortunately, private ADHD assessments offer an easier method of diagnosis. You do not need the approval of your doctor to use NHS services and you can also self-refer yourself to private assessments. Many patients have found that it's easier to receive a diagnosis from a private doctor since there aren't any 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 potential diagnosis and any treatment options. This is usually a medication-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy is also advised. Psychotherapy can help you discover strategies for coping and managing your symptoms so that they don't affect your life in the same way. Medication will usually be prescribed as a stimulant, which improves the way signals are passed between brain cells. It's usually taken in tablets with methylphenidate being most common. It can be prescribed as a modified-release tablet or immediate-release which are taken 2 or 3 times per daily. The specialist will explain the duration you should be taking the medication, but the majority of patients are prescribed for as long as it's effective.
During the examination, your doctor might also seek opinions from people who know you very well such as your coworkers or your friends. This will help them gather corroborative information that may not have been disclosed during your consultation. They will also assess whether you have any comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression, which are common with ADHD.
If your doctor diagnoses you with ADHD, they will draft a report that they will forward to your GP. They may also recommend a referral to a specialist for ongoing support and care.
BBC reports that the NHS has struggled to meet the demand for ADHD assessment in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that a lot of people aren't aware that their symptoms are linked to ADHD and can cause them to be referred for a different condition such as anxiety or depression.
A new taskforce was launched to cut down on waiting times and ensure patients receive the assistance they require. The taskforce will bring together sector-wide expertise and provide joint-up solutions. However, targeted investment is essential to expand ADHD services and provide them with the resources they require to meet the demand.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long waiting list for ADHD assessments. In fact, a system programme director informed the BBC that the amount of requests for adult ADHD assessments has increased by 700% in one year, and that some areas had wait lists that stretched over two years. The NHS has been tackling this issue, and recently formed an taskforce to enhance access to specialist help for adults ADHD sufferers.
This will cut down waiting times for assessments and enable doctors to refer patients in the most appropriate way. For instance, a person who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP for a professional opinion - due to the fact that, in addition to having ADHD the majority of these people have mental health issues related to it.
The NHS provides a variety of ADHD tests for those who are thinking about seeking medical treatment, or those who have been diagnosed with the condition. Most often, these assessments are carried out by a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in diagnosing adult ADHD. The test may take between 45 and 90 mins and is typically conducted over the phone or via video calls.
During the examination, the doctor will ask you about your history of ADHD symptoms and previous experiences with them. The doctor will inquire about your mental health condition and any mental health issues you or your family have experienced. It is essential to discuss all of these issues during the evaluation. This will help the doctor determine if you are suffering from ADHD.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will decide on a treatment plan. It will typically include medication and psychotherapy. Other support services, including workshops and peer-support groups, might also be included.
If you'd like to get an assessment faster, you can go to an individual healthcare provider rather than wait for the NHS. This is possible through self-referral, or in certain cases with the permission of your doctor. Private healthcare providers offer a direct route to specialist mental care. These appointments are usually faster than NHS ones.