ADHD Assessments in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult for a lot of people, particularly those who require access to the NHS. This is because the system is struggling to keep up with the demand.
GPs may ask about symptoms and the family history however, they are not able to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians can do this.
Symptoms
It is important to consult an expert if you think that your symptoms could be related to ADHD. In the UK you can arrange to see an experienced psychiatrist who is a specialist in mental illness. It is a formal, scheduled appointment with a doctor who will take a complete medical history and determine any other health conditions that might be present in addition to or instead of ADHD.
During your examination during your assessment, you will be asked for examples of your symptoms. You will be asked to rate them on an appropriate scale. All of this information will be taken into consideration by the psychiatrist in determining if you are qualified for an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be based on the DSM V criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked for specific details about your symptoms and when they started and if you experienced them during your childhood. You will also be asked to describe how these symptoms impact on your life and relationships, particularly at work or in high stress situations.
Someone with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to focus in class or during an online conference call and miss important information. This could cause tension in relationships, or even an unhappiness. Inattention ADHD can also cause those who suffer from it to lose their belongings, such as phones keys, wallets, and wallets, frequently. This can cause lots of stress when they are constantly searching for them and delegating work to others.
It is also usual for the psychiatrist to speak with family members who know you well and examine old school reports, if these are available. It can be beneficial to speak with an educator or other educational professional who knows you from the past, especially if you have been struggling at school.
The assessment usually involves a physical examination and you will be asked to fill out questionnaires prior to your appointment. You will be asked about your life style, mental health, and any behavioural issues you have had in the past. In your appointment it is common for a psychiatrist to examine you. This is very helpful in determining ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
It can be challenging to diagnose ADHD, especially for adults. To receive the most effective treatment and support it is essential to get the right diagnosis. The first step to obtaining the right diagnosis is a professional evaluation. A good psychiatrist will listen and analyze your symptoms. They will also look for comorbid conditions which may be causing symptoms. ADHD symptoms can cause stress and affect your quality-of-life. These symptoms include difficulties paying attention, making impulsive mistakes and acting out in a rash manner. It is also possible to have problems with organisation and time management. These issues can create problems at home, school or work.
A medical assessment involves a series of conversations with the specialist. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and your family's history of mental health. They also employ questionnaires and rating scales to collect information about your ADHD. Input from individuals who know you well like a partner or a close friend, can be sought for additional insights. This will ensure that the assessment is as accurate as you can.
The specialist will confirm your diagnosis if they determine that you have ADHD by using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They will then talk about the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning and consider any comorbidities you might suffer from, like anxiety or depression.
While websites offers a great service however, delays in assessment can be a source of frustration for those who suffer from ADHD. The BBC recently reported that adults have waited for up to two years to receive an NHS diagnosis after being diagnosed by their doctor. This is due to the massive demand for services and the resulting shortage of capacity and some NHS trusts closing their waiting lists completely.
Private ADHD assessments are the best method of diagnosing ADHD. While you require a GP referral to access the NHS, you can self-refer for private assessments. Many patients discover that a private diagnosis is more efficient since there aren't any waiting lists. Patients also avoid the stress of waiting for life-changing treatments.
Treatment
After the specialist has completed their examination after which they will inform you of any possible diagnosis and treatment options. It is typically a medication-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy is also recommended. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies for coping and managing your symptoms so that they do not affect your life in the same way. The medication prescribed is typically a stimulant that improves the transmission of brain cells. The most popular form is methylphenidate tablets. It can be prescribed as a modified-release tablet or immediate-release that are taken two or three times a day. The doctor will inform you the duration of the medication. However, most patients are prescribed for as long as they feel it is effective.
During the evaluation the doctor will also ask for opinions from people who know you well like your coworkers and family members. This will help them get information that wasn't revealed during your consultation. They will also assess whether you suffer from any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, which are common with ADHD.
If your specialist diagnoses ADHD, they will write a note that they will forward to your GP. They may also recommend an appointment with an expert for ongoing care and support.
The NHS's services have had a difficult time to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests in recent years, the BBC reports. This is partly due to the fact that many people don't realise their symptoms are related to ADHD and can lead to them being assessed for a different illness, such as anxiety or depression.
A new taskforce was created to speed up the process of waiting and ensure that patients get the assistance they require. The taskforce will bring together sector-wide expertise and provide joint-up solutions. However, targeted investment is required to increase the number of people with ADHD and provide the resources that are required to meet the demand.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long wait for ADHD assessments. A system programme manager told the BBC that the demand for an adult ADHD assessment had increased by 700% in one year and certain areas had waiting lists that stretched over two years. The NHS has been working to address this issue, and recently established a taskforce with the goal of enhancing access to specialist support for people who suffer from ADHD.
This will reduce the length of time needed for assessments and allow the clinician to refer patients in the best way. For instance, a person who has an ancestral history of ADHD should be referred by their GP for a professional opinion, because, aside from being diagnosed with ADHD the majority of these people have mental health issues related to it.
The NHS offers a range of ADHD assessments for people who are thinking about seeking medical treatment, or who have already been diagnosed with the condition. These tests are usually performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist or other professional with experience in diagnosing adult ADHD. The process of assessment can last between 45 to 90 minutes, and is typically conducted via video or phone call.
During the evaluation, the clinician will ask you about your past experiences with ADHD symptoms and past 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 suffer from. It is crucial to discuss all of these issues during the assessment, as it will help the doctor determine if you're suffering from ADHD.
The specialist will decide on the treatment plan following the examination. This usually includes psychotherapy and medication. It could also include other support services such as peer-support groups and workshops.
If you'd like to get an appointment faster you can visit a private healthcare provider rather than wait for the NHS. You can self-refer or in some cases, obtain your doctor's permission. Private healthcare providers offer the direct access to specialist mental health care. These appointments are often faster than NHS ones.