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 demand.
GPs can inquire about symptoms and the family history however, they are not able to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians are able to do this.
Symptoms
It is essential to speak with a doctor if you suspect that your symptoms might be due to ADHD. In the UK it is possible to book an assessment with a psychiatrist or a specialist in mental health. It is a planned and formal appointment with a doctor. He will request an entire psychiatric history and identify any other health conditions that could be present with or in conjunction with ADHD.
During your examination, you will be asked to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. You will be asked to evaluate your symptoms on the scale. All of these details will be considered by the psychiatrist when deciding if you're eligible to receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be based on the DSM V criteria of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked for specific details about your symptoms, including when they began and if you experienced them during your childhood. You will also be asked to describe how these symptoms affect your life and relationships especially when you are at work or in high-stress situations.
A person with inattention ADHD may struggle to concentrate in class or during an online conference call and also miss important information. This can lead to relationships breaking down or tension. Inattention ADHD can also cause people who suffer from it to lose items, such as phones, wallets, or keys frequently. This can cause a lot of stress, as they spend time looking for them and delegating tasks to others.
It is also usual for the psychiatrist to interview family members who know you well and to review old school reports, if they are available. It can be helpful to speak with a former teacher or educational professional, particularly if your school performance has been poor.
You will be asked to fill out questionnaires prior to your appointment. You will be asked questions about your habits, mental health and any behavioural issues you have had in the past. During your appointment it is common for psychiatrists to observe you. This is very helpful in identifying ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to determine ADHD particularly for adults. To receive the most effective treatment and support, it's crucial to have the right diagnosis. The first step to obtaining the right diagnosis is a professional assessment. A qualified psychiatrist will be able to listen to you and evaluate the symptoms that are causing you issues. They will also check for any comorbid conditions that may be the cause of your symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD can affect your quality of life and cause distress. These symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, making careless errors and acting impulsively. You may also struggle with time management and organisation. These issues can cause difficulties at school, work or in your home life.
A series of talks will be held with the doctor during the course of an assessment. They will ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and medical background and the mental health of your family members. what is an adhd assessment will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to collect details about your ADHD symptoms. Information from people who know you well, such as a partner or a close friend, can be sought for additional insight. This can help ensure that the test is as thorough as it can be.
If the doctor determines you suffer from ADHD, they will use the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 to confirm your diagnosis. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider any comorbid disorders you may be suffering from such as depression or anxiety.
While the NHS offers excellent services, delays to assessments can be a source of frustration for those with ADHD. BBC reported that a few adults waited as long as two years before receiving an NHS diagnosis following a referral from their GPs. The BBC reported that some adults have waited as long as two years for an NHS diagnosis after being referred by their doctors.
Fortunately there are private ADHD assessments offer a more direct approach to diagnosis. Although you will require an GP referral to access the NHS but you can self-refer to private assessments. Many patients prefer a private diagnosis because it is quicker because there are no wait lists. They can also avoid the frustration of waiting in line for life-changing treatments.
Treatment
After the doctor has completed the assessment, you'll be informed of a potential diagnosis and any treatment options. It is typically a medication-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy is also advised. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies to cope and manage your symptoms to ensure they don't impact your life in the same way. Most medications are prescribed as a stimulant, which enhances the way signals are sent between brain cells. The most popular form is methylphenidate tablets. It is available in immediate-release or a modified-release tablet and taken twice or three times per day. The doctor will explain the duration you should take the medication, but the majority of patients are prescribed for as long as it is effective.
During the assessment your specialist might also solicit opinions from people who know you very well like your colleagues or family members. This will enable them to collect information that was not disclosed during your consultation. They will also determine if you suffer from any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, that are common with ADHD.
If your doctor diagnoses you with ADHD, they will draft a report that they will submit to your GP. They may also suggest referral to another specialist for ongoing treatment and assistance.
BBC reports that the NHS has been struggling to meet the demand for ADHD evaluation in recent years. This is due in part to the fact that many people aren't aware that their symptoms are related to ADHD which could result in them being diagnosed with a different disorder such as depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce has been established to try to cut down waiting times and ensure that patients get the assistance they require. The taskforce will draw expertise across different sectors and offer integrated solutions. But it is important to invest in a targeted manner to increase the number of people with ADHD and provide the resources needed to meet demand.
Support
At present, getting an assessment for ADHD within the NHS in the UK is a long wait. One programmer in the system informed the BBC that the demand for an 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 working to address this issue, and recently formed an taskforce to enhance access to specialist help for adults ADHD sufferers.
This will help reduce the time it takes to get an assessment and allow clinicians to refer people in the most appropriate way. For instance, a person who has a family history of ADHD should be referred by their GP for a professional opinion, because, as well as being diagnosed with ADHD, these people often have related mental health problems.
The NHS offers a variety of ADHD assessments to people who are considering medical treatment or have been diagnosed with the condition. Most often, these assessments are performed by a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in diagnosing adult ADHD. The assessment can be between 45 and 90 minutes and is typically conducted via phone or video call.
During the evaluation, the clinician will ask you about your history of ADHD symptoms and previous experiences with them. They will also inquire about your mental health and any other mental health issues you have been affected by or your family members have suffered from. It is essential to discuss all of these issues during the examination. This will help the clinician determine if you are suffering from ADHD.
After the evaluation is completed after which the specialist will decide on a treatment program. It will usually include psychological therapy and medication. It may also involve other support services, such as peer-support groups and workshops.
People who wish to accelerate the process of obtaining an assessment may opt to access private healthcare providers, instead of waiting for the NHS. You can self-refer or, in some instances, get your doctor's permission. Private healthcare providers provide an easy route to specialist mental healthcare. These appointments are usually shorter than NHS ones.