ADHD Assessments in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult for many people, especially those who have to use the NHS. This is because the system struggles to meet the demand.
GPs may inquire about symptoms and family history, but they are not able to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians can do this.
Signs and symptoms
It is crucial to speak with a doctor if you suspect that your symptoms might be linked to ADHD. In the UK it is possible to arrange an assessment with a psychiatrist, a specialist in mental health. It is a structured, formal appointment with a physician. He will request an entire psychiatric history and determine any other health conditions that could be present with or in addition to ADHD.
During your assessment you will be asked for examples of your symptoms. You will be asked to evaluate your symptoms using the scale. The psychiatrist will take all the information into account and decide if you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. This will be determined by the DSM V criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked to provide details regarding your symptoms, including when they began and if they occurred in your childhood. You will also be asked to describe how these symptoms impact on your relationships and personal life, particularly at work or in high stress situations.
Someone with inattentive ADHD might struggle to concentrate in class or on an online conference call, and also miss important information. This can lead to relationship tensions or even breakdown. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also cause people to lose things often, like keys, phones or wallets. This can lead to a lot of stress as people spend time looking for them and assigning their tasks to others.
The psychiatrist may also talk to family members and look over old school reports if they're available. It is sometimes also beneficial to speak with a teacher or other educational professional who has a connection to you from the past, especially when you've had a difficult time at school.
The examination usually involves a physical examination and you'll be asked to fill out questionnaires before your appointment. You will be asked about your lifestyle, mental health and any past behavioural issues. It is also normal for a psychiatrist consultant to be present during your appointment. This is extremely beneficial in helping to make a diagnosis of ADHD or other health conditions.
Diagnosis
It can be challenging to diagnose ADHD, especially for adults. It is essential to have the right diagnosis in order to receive the right treatment and assistance. The first step to obtaining the right diagnosis is a professional assessment. A qualified psychiatrist will be able to listen to you and analyze the symptoms that are causing your issues. They will also search for comorbid conditions which may cause 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 organisation and time management. These issues can cause difficulties at school, work or at home.
An assessment will consist of a series of conversations with the specialist. They will ask questions about your life style, medical history, and your family's history of mental health. They also employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine the extent of your ADHD. To get a better understanding of your ADHD, you may be asked to provide input from people who know you well. Additional Info could include a partner, a relative or a close friend. This ensures that the evaluation is as accurate as you can.
If a specialist concludes that you have ADHD they will employ the diagnostic criteria set out in the DSM-5 to confirm your diagnosis. They will talk about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider any comorbid disorders you might have like anxiety or depression.
The NHS offers a wonderful service but delays in assessments can be very frustrating for those who suffer from ADHD. BBC reported recently that adults waited for up to two years to receive an NHS diagnosis after a referral from their GPs. The BBC reported that some people have waited as long as two years to receive an NHS diagnosis after being referred by their GPs.
Private ADHD assessments are a more effective method to identify ADHD. You don't need the approval of your doctor to use NHS services however, you can refer yourself to private assessments. Many patients prefer a private diagnosis because it is faster because there are no wait lists. It also helps to avoid the frustration of waiting for life-altering treatments.
Treatment
Once the doctor has completed their assessment after which they will inform you of any possible diagnosis and treatment options. This is usually a medical-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy can also be recommended. Psychotherapy can help you discover coping strategies and manage your symptoms so they don't affect your life as significantly. The medication is usually prescribed as a stimulant, which improves the way signals are transmitted between brain cells. It's usually taken in tablet form with methylphenidate being the most frequently used. It can be prescribed in immediate-release or modified-release tablets and taken two or three times per day. The doctor will inform you of how long you need to take the medication, however most patients are prescribed it for as long as it is efficient.
During the examination, your doctor might also solicit opinions from people who know you well like your colleagues or family members. This will allow them to gather information that was not revealed during your consultation. They will also evaluate whether you have comorbid conditions that commonly occur with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If your doctor diagnoses ADHD the doctor will write a report that they will submit to your GP. They might also suggest a referral to a different 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 realise their symptoms are related to ADHD, which can result in them being diagnosed with a different disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
A new taskforce has been created to try to reduce waiting times and ensure that patients get the assistance they require. The taskforce will bring expertise across different sectors and offer integrated 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 program director informed the BBC that the demands for adult ADHD assessments has increased by 700% over the past year, and certain areas were experiencing wait times of more than two years. The NHS has been tackling this issue and recently launched a taskforce that will increase access to specialist assistance for adult ADHD sufferers.
This will reduce the time it takes to get an assessment and enable doctors to refer patients in the best way. For instance, someone who has an ancestral history of ADHD should be referred to their GP to a specialist opinion. This is because, aside from being diagnosed with ADHD, these people often have related mental health problems.
The NHS offers a variety of ADHD assessments for those who are considering medical treatment or have been diagnosed with this condition. Most often, these assessments are carried out by a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in diagnosing adult ADHD. The test can take between 45 and 90 minutes and is usually done via phone or video call.
During the assessment the clinician will ask you questions about your past experience with ADHD symptoms and past experiences with them. They will then ask about your mental health and any other mental health issues you've been affected by or that your family members suffer from. It is essential to talk about everything during the assessment, since it can help the clinician determine whether you may be suffering from ADHD.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will decide on a treatment plan. This will typically include medication and psychological therapy. Other support services, including workshops and peer-support groups might also be included.
If you'd like to receive an assessment quicker you can go to an individual healthcare provider rather than waiting for the NHS. You can self-refer or, in some instances, get your doctor's permission. Private healthcare providers provide easier access to specialist mental health services and appointments are often much quicker than NHS ones.