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 unable to keep pace with the demand.
GPs are able to inquire about family history and symptoms but they are not able to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians can do this.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your symptoms may be due to ADHD it is important to seek medical advice. In the UK it is possible to arrange an appointment with a psychiatrist, a specialist in mental health. It is a formal, scheduled appointment with a physician who will take a full psychiatric history and identify other health conditions that could be present in conjunction with or instead of ADHD.
In your assessment you will be asked to provide examples of your symptoms. You will be asked to rate your symptoms on the scale. All of this information will be taken into consideration by the psychiatrist when deciding if you are qualified for an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be based on the DSM V criteria of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder/Deficit.
You will be asked for specific details about the symptoms you are experiencing, including how long you've been experiencing them, and whether they began in your the early years of your life. You will be asked how these symptoms impact your life and relationships.
For instance, someone who has inattention ADHD symptoms might have difficulty concentrating in class or on online conference calls, and often miss out on important information. This can result in relationship tensions or even breakdown. Inattention ADHD can also cause people who suffer from it to lose their belongings like phones, wallets, or keys, frequently. This can cause lots of stress when they are constantly searching for them and delegating tasks to others.
It is also typical for psychiatrists to talk with family members who know you well and examine old school reports, if they are available. Sometimes, it is beneficial to speak to a teacher or other educational professional who is familiar with you from the past, especially if you have been struggling in school.
The test usually consists of physical examinations and you'll be asked to fill out questionnaires before your appointment. You will be asked questions about your life style, mental health, and any previous behavioural issues. In your appointment, it is normal for a psychiatrist to observe you. This can be extremely helpful in determining ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging especially for adults. It is essential to have the right diagnosis to receive the appropriate treatment and assistance. The first step in gaining the right diagnosis is a professional assessment. A professional psychiatrist will listen to and analyze your symptoms. They will also determine if there are any comorbidities that could be the cause of your symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD can affect your quality of life and cause anxiety. These symptoms include difficulties in concentration, making mistakes and acting out in a rash manner. There is also a possibility of having difficulty in managing your time and organizing. 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 life and medical history and the mental health of your family members. They will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to gather details about your ADHD symptoms. People who know you well such as a spouse or close friend, could be sought to gain additional information. This helps to ensure that the test is as thorough 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 then talk about how your symptoms affect your daily functioning and consider any comorbidities you might be suffering from, such as depression or anxiety.
The NHS provides a fantastic service however, delays in assessment can be frustrating to people with ADHD. BBC reported recently that adults waited as long as two years before receiving an NHS diagnosis following a referral from doctor. This is due to the huge demand for services and the resulting shortage of capacity and some NHS trusts closing their waiting lists completely.
Private ADHD assessments are a more effective method of diagnosing ADHD. While you need an GP referral to access the NHS however, you can self-refer for private assessments. Many patients have discovered that it takes less time to receive a diagnosis from a private doctor since there aren't any waiting lists and they can avoid the stress of waiting for life-changing treatment.
Treatment
After the specialist has completed their evaluation, they will inform you of any possible diagnosis and treatment options. This is typically a medication treatment plan, but psychotherapy may also be offered. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies for coping and managing your symptoms so they don't impact your life as much. assessments for adhd will usually be prescribed as a stimulant which improves the way that signals are sent between brain cells. It's usually taken in tablet form, with methylphenidate being the most common. It can be prescribed in immediate-release or a modified-release tablet, and taken twice or three times a day. The doctor will inform you the duration of the medication. However, the majority of patients are prescribed as long as they find it effective.
During the examination, your specialist will likely be asking for opinions from people who are familiar with you, such as co-workers and friends. This will allow them to get information that wasn't discussed during your appointment. They will also assess whether you suffer from comorbid disorders that commonly occur with ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
If your specialist diagnoses you with ADHD, they will prepare a report, which they will submit to your GP. They may also suggest referral to another specialist for ongoing treatment and support.
BBC reports that the NHS has struggled to meet the demand for ADHD evaluation in recent years. This is due in part to the fact that many people don't realize their symptoms are linked to ADHD which could cause them to be diagnosed with a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce has been created to help reduce waiting times and ensure that patients get the help they require. The taskforce will bring together sector-wide expertise and offer a variety of solutions. But targeted investment is needed to expand ADHD and give the resources needed to meet the demand.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long wait for ADHD assessments. One programmer in the system told the BBC that the demand for adult ADHD assessment had risen by 700% in one year and some areas have waiting lists that lasted more than two years. The NHS has been tackling this issue, and recently formed a taskforce that will improve access to specialist support for adult ADHD sufferers.
This should reduce the time it takes to complete assessments, and will allow clinicians to ensure that patients are referred to in the most appropriate way. For instance, someone who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP to a specialist opinion, because, aside from having ADHD the majority of these people suffer from mental health issues that are related to it.
The NHS offers a variety of ADHD assessments for people who are considering seeking medical treatment, or those who have already been diagnosed with the condition. Typically, these will be carried out by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing adult ADHD. The process of assessing can take between 45 to 90 minutes, and it is usually conducted via video or phone call.
During the evaluation, the clinician will ask you about your past experience with ADHD symptoms and previous experiences with them. The clinician will ask you about your mental health condition and any mental health issues you or your family have experienced. It is essential to discuss these issues during the examination. This will help the clinician determine if you suffer from ADHD.
The specialist will decide on the treatment plan following the examination. This usually includes psychotherapy and medication. Other support services, including peer-support group and workshops, may also be included.
If you'd like to receive an assessment faster you can visit a private healthcare provider than waiting for the NHS. This can be done by self-referral or, in some cases, with the consent of your doctor. Private healthcare providers provide the direct access to specialist mental health care. These appointments are often quicker than NHS ones.