ADHD Assessments in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult for a lot of people, particularly those who need to access the NHS. This is due to the fact that the system is struggling to keep up with the demand.
GPs can ask about family history and symptoms however they are unable to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians can perform this.
Signs and symptoms
If you believe that your symptoms could be due to ADHD it is essential to seek out medical advice. In the UK you can arrange to meet with a psychiatrist who is a specialist in mental illness. It is a formal and structured appointment with a physician who will take a complete medical history and determine any other health conditions that could be present alongside 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 an appropriate scale. All of this information will be taken into consideration by the psychiatrist when deciding if you're eligible for an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be determined based on the DSM V criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked for specific details about the symptoms you have, including the length of time you've been experiencing them, and whether they started in the early years of your life. You will be asked how these symptoms impact your relationships and life.
For instance, someone who has inattentive ADHD symptoms may find it difficult to concentrate in class or during an online conference call and may often miss out on important information. This can lead to tensions in relationships or even breaking down. Inattentive ADHD can also cause people who suffer from it to lose their belongings, such as phones keys, wallets, or wallets often. This can cause a lot stress since people have to spend a lot of time searching for them, and then assigning their duties to others.
It is also common for the psychiatrist to speak with relatives who know you well, and examine old school reports, if these are available. It can be helpful to speak to a former teacher or an educational expert, especially if you're school performance has been poor.
The examination usually involves an examination of the body, and you will be asked to complete questionnaires before your appointment. You will be asked questions about your habits, mental health and any past behavioural issues. It is also common for a consultant psychiatrist to be present during your appointment. This can be very useful in aiding in the diagnosis of ADHD or other health conditions.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD isn't easy especially for adults. It is essential to have the right diagnosis to receive the right treatment and help. The first step in gaining the correct diagnosis is a professional assessment. A professional psychiatrist will listen to you and analyze the symptoms that are causing problems. They will also check for comorbid conditions which may be causing symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD can affect your life quality and cause stress. These symptoms can include difficulty in concentration, making mistakes and acting out in a rash manner. You may also struggle with time management and organisation. These issues can cause difficulties at work, school or in your home life.
A series of conversations will be conducted with the doctor during an assessment. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical background and the mental health of your family members. They may also utilize questionnaires and rating scales to collect information about your ADHD symptoms. To gain adhd assessments might be asked to share your thoughts from people who know you well. This could be a partner, a relative or a close family member. This will ensure that the assessment is as accurate as it can be.
The specialist will confirm your diagnosis if they conclude that you suffer from ADHD according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. They will also consider any other disorders that you may suffer from, such as depression or anxiety.
The NHS provides a fantastic service however, delays in assessment can be frustrating to people who suffer from ADHD. BBC reported recently that adults waited for up to two years to receive an NHS diagnosis following a referral from their GPs. The BBC reported that some adults have waited up to two years for an NHS diagnosis after being referred to their doctors.
Private ADHD assessments are the best way to diagnose ADHD. While you require an GP referral to be able to access the NHS, you can self-refer for private assessments. Many patients prefer a private diagnosis because it is more efficient because there aren't wait lists. Patients also avoid the stress of waiting for life-changing treatments.
Treatment
After the doctor has completed their assessment, you will be informed of a potential diagnosis and treatment options. This is usually a medication-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy is also advised. Psychotherapy can teach you how to cope and manage your symptoms, so they do not negatively impact your life. Medication will usually be prescribed as a stimulant, which enhances the way signals are passed between brain cells. It's usually taken in tablet form with methylphenidate being most frequently used. It is available as a modified-release or immediate-release tablet which are taken 2 or 3 times a every day. The specialist will explain how long you need to take the medication, however the majority of patients are prescribed it for as long as it's effective.
During the evaluation the doctor will be asking for input from those who know you well like your coworkers and family members. This will enable them to gather information that was not disclosed during your consultation. They will also check if you suffer from any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, which are common to ADHD.
If your specialist finds you to be suffering from ADHD, they will draft a report that they will submit to your GP. They might also suggest the referral to an expert to provide ongoing support and care.
The NHS's services have struggled to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments in recent years according to the BBC reports. This is largely due to the fact that a lot of people don't realise their symptoms are related to ADHD, which can lead to them being assessed for a different illness such as depression or anxiety.
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 from across sectors and provide integrated solutions. However, targeted investment is essential to expand ADHD services and give them the resources they need to meet demand.
Support
Currently, getting an assessment for ADHD within the NHS in the UK is a long wait. In fact, a system programme director told the BBC that the amount of demands for adult ADHD assessments had increased by 700% in one year, and that some areas had wait lists of over two years. The NHS has been working on this issue and recently launched a taskforce that will 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 efficient way. For instance, someone who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP for a professional opinion. This is due to the fact that, in addition to being diagnosed with ADHD, these people often have mental health issues related to it.
The NHS provides a variety of ADHD tests to those who are considering medical treatment or have been diagnosed with the condition. These assessments are usually performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist or another professional who has experience diagnosing adult ADHD. The test can last between 45 and 90 minutes and is usually done over the phone or via video call.
During the assessment, the clinician will talk to you about your history with ADHD symptoms as well as your past experiences with them. They will then ask about your mental health, as well as any other mental health issues that you've experienced or that your family members have suffered from. It is crucial to talk about everything during the examination, as it can help the therapist 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 peer-support group and workshops, may also be included.
People who wish to speed up the process of getting an assessment can opt to use private healthcare providers, rather than waiting for the NHS. You can self-refer or, in some instances, get your doctor's permission. Private healthcare providers offer an easy route to specialist mental health care. These appointments are often faster than NHS ones.