ADHD UK Assessment
If you think you may have ADHD, it is important to discuss this with your GP. They can discuss your symptoms and inquire about any other mental health problems you might have.
NHS patients in England are legally allowed to select their mental health provider. This includes access to ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is mental health issue which affects the way signals are transmitted between brain cells. This can lead to problems with learning, organisation and paying attention. It can also affect managing issues with self-control and making the right choices more difficult. People with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and irritable, and also have difficulties coping with routines and tasks that other people can manage easily. They may also struggle with emotions such as anxiety, low mood and depression.
People suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or given the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling to cope with the increase of assessments. Some areas have waiting times of over two years. According to BBC Freedom of Information requests some of them have been refusing new referrals. This has caused a lot of frustration for those waiting on wait lists, and some even feel depressed as they realise that they will not receive the diagnosis they need to affect their lives.
GPs are required to take the claims made by people who think they have symptoms of ADHD seriously and refer them for an assessment. They must follow NICE guidelines, which demand that an assessment be conducted by an expert psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse (or any other "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [NICE]).
For those who are on waiting lists for an NHS assessment, it's possible to take the matter into their own hands and request a private diagnosis. This is possible through the Right to Choose path, in which a patient's doctor agrees to refer them for an ADHD assessment to a preferred service. To do this, they must discuss the concerns of the patient with them and explain why they would like an assessment of the symptoms of ADHD by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
There are many providers of private ADHD assessments, some of them offering titration of medication through the NHS after the test. Psychiatry UK is the largest provider, and they provide details on how to use their services via Right to Choose. They also have a letter that you can download you can send to your GP.
Common signs of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's focus, ability to maintain control and their ability to manage emotions. The symptoms include hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. While many people struggle with these problems, those diagnosed with ADHD suffer from issues that are significantly beyond what is expected of their age or development level. These issues can impact their ability to perform at work and home, and cause problems in relationships.
Inattention occurs when someone struggles to stay focused and engaged. They can easily become distracted and lose track of what they're doing. They may also have trouble organizing their thoughts and following instructions. Hyperactivity is a frequent symptom of ADHD and can be characterized by excessive tapping, fidgeting or talking. The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to act without thinking about consequences, or to seek immediate satisfaction.
Certain people with ADHD may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They may be frequently criticized by their peers for their naivety and naughtiness. Depression, low self-esteem or anxiety can also be experienced by people with ADHD. The challenges that people with ADHD confront can become more difficult throughout their lives, such as when they move out of their home and into work or study. New stressors, such as relationships, financial pressures and expectations of parents can also affect them.
It is important to speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. They can help you decide if an NHS ADHD assessment is helpful and suggest a service suitable for your needs. This could be an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
During your appointment the doctor will ask you questions regarding your family life and your social life. They will also conduct an examination to rule out other issues, such as depression or anxiety. They will also look over any reports or assessments from the past and will review your medication.
book adhd assessment of Psychiatrists warns that ADHD services are struggling to handle the demand and waiting lists for assessment are long. We made FOI requests to get information to each NHS trust that provides ADHD services in England to try to understand the extent of the problem. We found that patients were waiting an average of more than six months to get an appointment.
The signs of ADHD in Adults
For adults who suffer from ADHD the difficulties caused by untreated symptoms could be more serious than for children. They may be struggling with relationship issues, career problems, and a general feeling of not being able to do their job. They often have trouble keeping their job and adhering to the corporate rules or deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their finances effectively and fall into debt as a result of impulsive spending. They might have difficulty staying well due to an unhealthy diet or inability to focus for long periods of time.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may be harder to treat and diagnose than children. This is primarily because medical professionals have preconceived notions of the way people with ADHD look. This is particularly true if the patient is of color, was not a female at birth, or does not speak English natively. Moreover, adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have mental health problems that mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
Adult ADHD is characterised by a sense of restlessness and an inability or unwillingness to sit still. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be stressed and anxious, which can make them feel overwhelmed by everyday events. Additionally, they might struggle to manage their emotions and might suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or mood swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD might not be aware of their condition until they reach their adulthood and experience more pressure and stress. The symptoms may not be apparent until they leave school or the home of their parents. They could continue to cause problems when they take on new roles at work or in the world of.
In an effort to address the delays in getting an NHS ADHD assessment, Nice has ratified the use of a digital test to speed up the diagnosis. The test will be accessible to psychiatrists and specialists for children in England to test six- to seventeen-year-olds. The QbTest can identify if a child or teen has the three main ADHD traits - hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. It will help to improve outcomes for children with ADHD by reducing the time it takes to identify the disorder.
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
If your child's problems are serious enough to have an impact on their daily functioning You can request your GP to refer you to an expert nurse or psychiatrist. You can then have an assessment by a specialist that covers general mental health and the assessment of ADHD. Nurses or psychiatrists may prescribe medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
The assessment should be structured in a semi-structured manner to allow for an elicitation of impairment and symptom data, which is critical in determining ADHD. This should include open-ended questions to encourage a open and honest response, as well as the assessor using real-life examples to probe deeper than the initial "snapshot" clinical impression (which can be misleading). It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments, and other criteria are fully investigated.
It is essential that a screening for other mental health issues is conducted, especially those that mimic the symptoms of ADHD or are co-occurring with it, like bipolar disorder and depression. It is also important to determine whether there is any history of substance abuse or eating disorders or eating disorder, as these could impact the result of the diagnosis of ADHD especially if they are not treated.
The NHS assessment process is often long and frustrating for those with ADHD. It is often because of a lack of understanding of the criteria for assessment and the fact that healthcare professionals have preconceived notions about what people with ADHD "looks like". This can cause people to be incorrectly diagnosed or not diagnosed at any or even to unacceptable long waiting lists for assessments.
After the assessment, the result should be documented clearly in a written report that explains whether or whether the ADHD assessment criteria have been fulfilled. It should also document the diagnosis, and a discussion about the next steps (usually an appointment with your GP for shared management). This can include a review of the medications available. It is crucial to remember that the diagnosis is only the start of the management journey. It is crucial that a discussion of the more general psychosocial and educational aspects of managing ADHD is included in the post-diagnostic conversation that NICE recommends.