ADHD Assessments in the UK
Many people are unable to get an ADHD assessment, especially those who are on the NHS. This is because the system is struggling to keep up with demand.
GPs may ask about symptoms and family history however, they are not capable of diagnosing or conducting an assessment. Only clinicians can perform this.
Symptoms
If you believe that your symptoms may be related to ADHD it is important to seek medical advice. In the UK it is possible to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist, a specialist in mental health. It is a formal, scheduled appointment with a physician who will take a complete psychiatric history and identify other health conditions that might be present in conjunction with or instead of ADHD.
During your examination, you will be asked to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. You will be asked to rate them on an appropriate scale. The psychiatrist will take all of this information into account and decide whether you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. This will be based on the DSM V criteria of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked for details regarding your symptoms, including when they began and if you had them during your childhood. You will be asked how these symptoms impact your life and relationships.
For instance, someone who has inattentive ADHD symptoms may struggle to concentrate in class or during an online conference call and may often miss out on important information. This can cause tension in relationships, or even a breakdown. Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause people to lose things often, including keys, phones or wallets. This can create lots of stress because they have to search for them and delegating work to others.
The psychiatrist will also interview relatives and review old school reports if they are available. It can be helpful to talk with an educator or another educational professional who has a connection to you from the past, especially in the case of struggling at school.
The assessment usually involves physical examinations and you will be asked to fill out questionnaires prior to your appointment. They will inquire about your lifestyle and mental health, and will ask regarding any behavioral issues you have had in the past. It is also normal for a consultant psychiatrist to be present during your appointment. This is extremely beneficial in helping to make a diagnosis of ADHD or other health conditions.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a challenge especially for adults. To receive the best treatment and assistance it is crucial to get the right diagnosis. The first step in getting the right diagnosis is a professional assessment. A qualified psychiatrist will listen and evaluate your symptoms. They will also check for any comorbid conditions that could cause symptoms. ADHD symptoms can cause stress and negatively impact your quality of life. These symptoms include difficulties in concentration, making mistakes and acting impulsively. There is also a possibility of having difficulty managing your time and organization. These issues can create problems at home, school or work.
A series of talks will be conducted with the doctor during the assessment. They will ask you questions about your life style, medical history, and your family's history of mental health. They will also use questionnaires and rating scales to gather information about your ADHD. To gain more understanding you might be asked to share your thoughts from people who know you well. This could include a spouse, a parent or a close friend. This ensures that the assessment is as accurate as it can be.
The specialist will confirm the diagnosis if they find that you suffer from ADHD by using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They will then discuss the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning, and also consider any comorbidities you might have, such as anxiety or depression.
While the NHS provides an excellent service but delays in assessments can be a source of frustration for those who suffer from ADHD. adhd diagnosis assessment reported that adults have waited for up to two years to receive an NHS diagnosis after being referred by their doctor. This is due to the dramatic demand for services and the resulting shortage of capacity, with some NHS trusts closing their waiting lists completely.
Private ADHD assessments are the best method of diagnosing ADHD. While you require an GP referral to get access to the NHS but you can self-refer for private assessments. Many patients find that a private diagnosis is quicker since there aren't any wait lists. They can also avoid the frustration of waiting in line for life-changing treatments.
Treatment
After the specialist has completed their assessment, you will be informed of a possible diagnosis and any treatment options. This is usually a medication-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy may also be suggested. Psychotherapy can teach you how to cope and manage your symptoms, so they do not adversely impact your life. The medication prescribed is usually a stimulant that improves the transmission of brain cells. It's often taken in tablet form, with methylphenidate being the most frequently used. It can be prescribed as a modified-release tablet or immediate-release that are taken two or three times per every day. The doctor will advise you how long to take the medication. However, most patients are prescribed for as long as they feel it is efficient.
During the examination, your doctor might also seek input from those who know you well, such co-workers or your friends. This will help them collect information that was not revealed during your consultation. They will also determine if you suffer from any comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety, that are often associated with ADHD.
If your doctor has diagnosed ADHD, they will write a note that they will send to you GP. They might also suggest the referral to an expert to provide ongoing support and care.
BBC reports that the NHS has had a hard time meeting the demand for ADHD assessments in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that many people aren't aware that their symptoms are linked to ADHD which could lead to them being diagnosed with a different disorder such as depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce has been launched to help reduce waiting times and ensure that patients receive the help they require. The taskforce will draw expertise from across sectors and provide integrated solutions. However, targeted investment is essential to expand ADHD services and provide them with the resources they require to meet demand.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long waiting list for ADHD assessments. In fact, one programme lead told the BBC that the demands for adult ADHD assessments has increased by 700% in the past year, and certain areas were experiencing wait times of more than two years. The NHS has been working on tackling this issue, and it recently established a taskforce with the goal of increasing access to specialist assistance for people suffering from ADHD.
This should help to reduce the length of waiting for evaluations, and help clinicians ensure that people are referred to in the most appropriate way. For example, someone who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP for a professional opinion. This is because, as well as having ADHD, these people often have related mental health problems.
The NHS offers a range of ADHD assessments for people who are contemplating seeking medical treatment or who have been diagnosed with the condition. Most often, these assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adult ADHD. The assessment process can take between 45 to 90 minutes, and is typically conducted on the phone or via video call.
During the assessment the clinician will ask you questions about your past experiences with ADHD symptoms and previous experiences with them. The counselor will ask you about your mental health and any mental health issues you or your family have experienced. It is crucial to talk about all of these things during the examination, as it can help the clinician determine if you're suffering from ADHD.
Once the assessment is completed, the specialist will then decide on a treatment program. It will usually include medication and psychological therapy. It could also include other support services, such as peer-support groups and workshops.
If you'd like to receive an appointment faster you can go to a private healthcare provider rather than wait for the NHS. This is possible through self-referral, or in some cases with the approval of your GP. Private healthcare providers offer a more direct route to specialist mental health care, and these appointments tend to be faster than NHS ones.