ADHD Assessments in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a challenge for many, particularly those who need to access the NHS. This is because the system is struggling to keep up with the demand.
GPs may inquire about symptoms and the family history but they aren't qualified to diagnose or conduct an assessment. Only doctors can do this.
Signs and symptoms
It is important to consult your doctor if you believe that your symptoms may be related to ADHD. In the UK it is possible to book an appointment with a psychiatrist, or a specialist in mental health. It is a formal, structured appointment with a physician who will take a full medical history and determine any other health conditions that could be present alongside or instead of ADHD.
During your examination, you will be asked to provide examples of your symptoms. You will be asked to evaluate your symptoms on the scale. All of this information will be taken into consideration by the psychiatrist when deciding if you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be determined by the DSM V criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked to give details of the symptoms you are experiencing, including how long you have been experiencing them, and whether they started in childhood. You will be asked to explain how these symptoms affect your relationships and life especially at work or in high-stress situations.
Someone with inattentive ADHD might struggle to concentrate in class or during an online conference call, and also miss important information. This can lead to tensions in relationships, or even breaking down. Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause people to lose items often, like keys, phones or wallets. This can create a lot of stress, because they have to search for their belongings and delegating tasks to others.
The psychiatrist may also talk to family members and review old school reports if they are available. It can be beneficial to speak with an educator or another educational professional who knows you from the past, particularly in the case of struggling at school.
You will be asked to complete questionnaires prior to your appointment. These will ask you about your life and mental health, and will ask regarding any behavioral issues you have had in the past. It is also normal for a consultant psychiatrist to observe you during your appointment. This is extremely beneficial in aiding in the diagnosis of ADHD or other health conditions.
Diagnosis
It can be challenging to recognize ADHD especially for adults. It's important to have the right diagnosis in order to receive the right treatment and assistance. The first step in gaining the right diagnosis is a professional assessment. A professional psychiatrist will listen to and evaluate your symptoms. They will also search for comorbidities that may cause symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD can affect your daily life and cause anxiety. These symptoms can include difficulty paying attention, making impulsive mistakes and acting out in a rash manner. There is also a possibility of having difficulty with time management and organisation. These issues can cause problems at school, home or work.
A medical assessment involves several conversations with the doctor. They will ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and medical history and the mental health of your family. They will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to help gather information regarding your ADHD symptoms. Information from people who know you well such as a spouse or close friend, may also be sought to gain additional insight. This will help ensure that the evaluation is as complete as possible.
If the doctor determines you have ADHD, they will use the diagnostic criteria set out in the DSM-5 to confirm your diagnosis. They will then discuss how your symptoms impact on your daily functioning, and also consider any other comorbid conditions you might suffer from, like depression or anxiety.
The NHS offers a great service however, delays in assessment can be very frustrating for those with ADHD. BBC reported recently that some adults waited up to two years before receiving an NHS diagnosis following a referral from their doctors. This is due to the dramatic demand for services and the resulting shortage of capacity and some NHS trusts removing their waiting lists completely.
Fortunately private ADHD assessments offer an easier method of diagnosis. You don't need the approval of your doctor to use NHS services and you can also self-refer yourself for private assessments. Many patients discover that a private diagnosis is more efficient because there aren't wait lists. They can also avoid the stress of waiting in line for life-changing treatments.
Treatment
After the specialist has completed their assessment, you will be informed of a possible diagnosis and the treatment options. This is typically a medication treatment plan, although psychotherapy can also be provided. Psychotherapy can help you discover strategies to cope and manage your symptoms to ensure they do not affect your life in the same way. The medication prescribed is typically a stimulant that increases the transmission of brain cells. The most commonly used form is methylphenidate tablets. It is available as an immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets and taken twice or three times daily. The doctor will inform you of the duration you should take the medication, but the majority of patients are prescribed it for as long as it is effective.
During the evaluation, your specialist will likely also seek input from those who are familiar with you, such as co-workers and friends. This will enable them to gather corroborative information that may not have been disclosed during your consultation. They will also assess whether you suffer from any comorbidities like anxiety or depression that are common to ADHD.
If your specialist diagnoses you with ADHD, they will draft a report that they will send to your GP. psych assessment for adhd might also suggest a referral to a different specialist for ongoing treatment and assistance.
BBC reports that the NHS has struggled to meet the demand for ADHD assessments in recent years. This is partly due to the fact that many people don't realize their symptoms are related to ADHD and can lead to them being assessed for a different illness such as depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce was established to reduce waiting time and ensure patients receive the help they require. The taskforce will bring expertise across different sectors and offer integrated solutions. However, targeted investments are also required to increase ADHD services and provide them with the resources they need to meet demand.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long waiting list for ADHD assessments. One system programme leader informed the BBC that demand for adult ADHD assessment had risen by 700% in one year and certain areas had waiting lists of more than two years. The NHS has been working on tackling this issue, and it recently created a taskforce that has the goal of enhancing access to support for adults with ADHD.
This will help reduce waiting times for assessments and allow the clinician to refer patients in the most appropriate way. For instance, a person who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP to a specialist opinion, because, aside from having ADHD the majority of these people have related mental health problems.
The NHS offers a range of ADHD tests for those who are contemplating seeking medical treatment, or those who have been diagnosed with the condition. They are typically conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in diagnosing adult ADHD. The process of assessing can take between 45 and 90 minutes and it is usually conducted via video or phone call.
During the evaluation, the clinician will ask you questions about your past experiences with ADHD symptoms and your past experiences with them. The doctor will inquire about your mental health and any mental health issues you or your family members have had. It is crucial to talk about all of these issues during the assessment. This will help the doctor determine if you suffer from ADHD.
After the assessment is complete the doctor will decide on a treatment plan. It will typically include medication and psychotherapy. Other support services, such as workshops and peer-support groups, might also be included.
People who want to accelerate the process of obtaining an assessment can choose to go to private healthcare providers instead of waiting for the NHS. You can self-refer, or in certain instances, seek your doctor's permission. Private healthcare providers offer a direct route to specialist mental health care. These appointments are usually quicker than NHS ones.