ADHD Assessments in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a challenge for many people, especially those who need to access the NHS. This is because the system is unable to keep pace with the demand.
GPs may ask about symptoms and family history however, they are not able to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians can do this.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to ADHD it is important to seek medical advice. In the UK you can arrange to meet with an experienced psychiatrist who is a specialist in mental illness. It is a structured appointment that is formal with a physician. He will request a complete psychiatric background and identify any other health conditions that could be present with or in conjunction with ADHD.
During your examination you will be asked for examples of your symptoms. You will be asked to evaluate your symptoms on a scale. The psychiatrist will take all this information into consideration before deciding whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. This will be determined based on the DSM V criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms such as when they first started and if they occurred in childhood. You will be asked to explain how these symptoms affect your life and relationships particularly at work or in high-stress situations.
For instance, someone who has inattentive ADHD symptoms might struggle to concentrate in class or on online conference calls, and may often miss out on important information. This could result in relationships breaking down or tension. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also cause people to lose things frequently, such as keys phones, wallets or keys. This can cause stress because they have to search for them and delegating work to others.
It is also typical for psychiatrists to talk with relatives who know you well, and to look at historic school reports, if they are available. assessed for adhd is sometimes also helpful to talk with a teacher or other educational professional who is familiar with you from the past, especially when you've had a difficult time in school.
The assessment usually involves a physical examination and you will be asked to complete questionnaires before your appointment. You will be asked about your lifestyle, mental health and any past behavioural issues. It is also typical for a consultant psychiatrist to observe you during your appointment. This is extremely beneficial in helping to make a diagnosis of ADHD or other health conditions.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy especially for adults. To receive the best treatment and support it is essential to get the right diagnosis. A professional assessment is the first step towards obtaining the proper diagnosis. A good psychiatrist will listen to you and evaluate the symptoms that are causing problems. They will also search for any comorbid conditions that could cause symptoms. ADHD symptoms can cause anxiety and affect your quality-of-life. The symptoms could include difficulty concentrating, making careless errors and acting out in a rash manner. You may also struggle with time management and organisation. These issues can cause problems at school, home or work.
An assessment will consist of an ongoing conversation with the doctor. They will ask you questions about your life and medical background and the mental health of your family members. They also employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine the extent of your ADHD. Information from people who are familiar with you such as a spouse or close friend, can be sought to gain additional insights. This ensures that the assessment is as accurate as possible.
If the specialist determines that you suffer from ADHD they will employ the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 to confirm your diagnosis. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will also look at any comorbid disorders you may be suffering from such as anxiety or depression.
While the NHS offers excellent services however, delays in assessment can be very frustrating for people who suffer from ADHD. BBC reported recently that some adults waited as long as two years to receive an NHS diagnosis following a referral from doctor. The BBC reported that some people have waited for up to two years for an NHS diagnosis after being referred to their doctors.
Private ADHD assessments are a better way to diagnose ADHD. While you require a GP referral to access the NHS, you can self-refer for private assessments. Many patients find that a private diagnosis is faster since there aren't any wait lists. Patients also avoid the stress of waiting for life-altering treatments.
Treatment
After the doctor has completed their assessment, you will be informed of a potential diagnosis and the treatment options. This is usually a medical-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy may also be suggested. Psychotherapy can help you learn coping strategies and manage your symptoms so that they don't affect your life as much. Most medications are prescribed as a stimulant which enhances the way signals are passed between brain cells. It is usually taken in tablet form with methylphenidate being most frequently used. It can be prescribed as immediate-release or modified-release tablets which are taken 2 or 3 times per every day. The doctor will explain how long you need to take the medication, but most patients are prescribed it for as long as it is efficient.
During the exam, your specialist might also solicit opinions from people who know you personally such as your coworkers or family members. This will allow them to gather information that was not discussed during your appointment. They will also determine if you have comorbid conditions that commonly occur with ADHD like depression or anxiety.
If your doctor finds you to be suffering from ADHD and ADHD, they will write a report which they will submit to your GP. They may recommend referral to a different specialist for ongoing treatment and support.
The NHS's services have had a difficult time to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments in recent years, the BBC reports. The BBC says this is partly because many people are unaware that their symptoms are related to ADHD. This could lead them to be referred for another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce was established to cut down on waiting times and ensure that patients get the assistance they need. The taskforce will bring together a variety of sectors' expertise and provide joint-up solutions. But it is important to invest in a targeted manner to increase the number of people with ADHD and provide the resources that are required to meet the demands.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long wait for ADHD assessments. One system programme leader told the BBC that demand for adult ADHD assessment had increased by 700 percent in just one year and certain areas had waiting lists of more than two years. The NHS has been working to tackle this issue, and recently established a taskforce with the goal of enhancing access to specialist support for adults with ADHD.
This will reduce waiting times for assessments and enable the clinician to refer patients in the best way. Anyone with a family history of ADHD should be referred to a doctor for an assessment by their GP. This is because those with these conditions are often suffering from mental health issues, in addition to ADHD.
The NHS offers a variety of ADHD tests to those who are contemplating medical treatment or have been diagnosed with this condition. These tests are typically conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or any other professional with experience in diagnosing adult ADHD. The process of assessment can last between 45 to 90 minutes, and is typically conducted on the phone or via video call.
During the examination, the clinician will discuss with you your history with ADHD symptoms and your past experiences with them. They will then ask about your mental health, as well as any other mental health issues you've experienced, or that your family members have suffered from. It is important to talk about all of these things during the assessment, since it can help the clinician determine whether you may be suffering from ADHD.
The specialist will decide on the treatment plan following the examination. assessed for adhd will typically include psychotherapy and medication. Other support services, including workshops and peer-support groups, might also be included.
If you want to accelerate the process of obtaining an assessment can opt to use private healthcare providers instead of waiting for the NHS. This can be done by self-referral, or in some instances with the permission of your GP. Private healthcare providers provide a direct route to specialist mental health care. These appointments are typically quicker than NHS ones.