ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extremely thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other conditions like thyroid or depression. They can also request old school reports as well as other evidence.
It is vital that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is true for GP's and consultant psychiatrists alike.
Waiting several times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are waiting for years for an appointment with a psychiatrist. This is despite the fact that ADHD is recognized as an extremely serious mental health condition and has profound impact on the lives of people. The situation is worse in certain areas, with waiting times as high as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is made worse by the growing awareness of this condition as well as the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling with demand, and many patients opt to take care of themselves through private providers. This is made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose for private health care from any provider.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in various parts of the country. The number of adults who want an assessment has grown exponentially, and is currently exceeding its capacity. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in dealing with adults and are better equipped to recognize the subtleties of ADHD. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which can often be present with ADHD.
However, many are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the risk of them over-diagnosing the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics made diagnoses without following the correct procedure. Some have accused the program of propagating stigma and stereotypes about people suffering from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some are forced to seek help privately. The NHS should come up with a solution to address this issue. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, try a free test with a charity or pay an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess you. These are usually cheaper than the NHS but they do not come with a prescription.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek out a diagnosis if you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will enable you to make the appropriate steps to manage your symptoms, including medication. You could be referred to a psychiatrist for additional treatment. Private clinics often offer diagnosis and adjustment. These clinics are typically adept with the various types of adults who may have ADHD as well as men and women. They can also screen for co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however, wait time for NHS services are much longer. Typically, you will pay for the initial assessment, and then follow-up appointments as needed. These appointments will be covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are certified and have a particular interest in ADHD. Initial appointments usually include clinical interviews as well as rating systems. You will also be required to answer questionnaires, and you might be referred for further tests such as an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both the assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Some private ADHD assessments offer titration separately from diagnosis, and this can be less expensive. Titration process takes longer and requires more appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that a patient waited for three years for an NHS assessment, before turning to a clinic in desperation. The BBC investigation revealed a number instances in which patients received a diagnosis of ADHD, which was later taken off. This is a serious issue, as it can be extremely distressing for patients to have their symptoms incorrectly diagnosed and prescribed medication that has adverse negative side effects.
In Scotland In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 that includes the initial assessment and the adjustment. Most health insurance policies cover these tests. However, it is worth checking to see whether you're covered.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP recommends an expert clinic, the physician will ask you questions and perform an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD, and if they match the criteria for diagnosis. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that might be present. These include depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss the treatment options with you, including medication if appropriate.
During an assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at work and home. They will also inquire about any medications you're taking. They will then conduct a formal interview. You should bring an experienced person or relative along to provide collateral information. It usually takes a few sessions for the assessment to arrive at the diagnosis. Some clinics offer a comprehensive assessment, while others only look for specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics, but his GP insisted that he didn't have the condition. The BBC claimed that the report was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However doctors are only able to refer patients to further investigation or prescribe medication when they adhere to strict guidelines.
Many doctors will not sign a shared care agreement with the NHS and is the only way they can transfer the patient's care to the hospital following an individual diagnosis. This is because they feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. GPs should also note that a lot of private psychiatrists will not prescribe medication, which may make it difficult for patients to receive the treatment they need.
Ask your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation If they haven't done so already. You can determine the estimated waiting time by contacting the local mental health services or using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you choose website an online ADHD assessment service that will be offered by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can have a profound impact on your life. Not only does it help people understand themselves better, but it also helps them as well as their family and friends better support them. It also helps them identify the right treatment plan. It is not always simple to get an accurate diagnosis. In the UK, people have to wait for a long period of time for an NHS assessment. This can be a major issue for those seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you can't wait, you can refer yourself to an expert psychiatrist for a private evaluation. It will help you reduce time and avoid a trip to your GP. This is not a quick process and can take months however, it will provide you with more precise diagnosis than the NHS one. It is important to ensure that the person performing the assessment is either a psychiatrist or psychologist since they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK that are qualified to determine ADHD.
A private assessment could include a clinical interview conducted by psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, childhood experiences and other aspects. The doctor will employ rating scales to inquire about your struggles at work, in school, or in relationships. They will also discuss any other symptoms you experience that might indicate the presence of ADHD.
This will produce a comprehensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will send to your GP with your consent. If necessary, they'll prescribe medication. They will also assist with other forms of support, including study skills and mentoring. They can also assist you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if are a university student.
While it's not the best idea to take short cuts, the reality is that NHS services are overloaded and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners using online assessments or private clinics that offer fast appointments but with lack of clinical expertise. These shortcuts are to be avoided. However, those suffering from ADHD should still seek a diagnosis as long as they are able to afford it.