ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally an extremely thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment, and will rule out other conditions such as depression or thyroid. They can also request old school reports and other supporting evidence.
It is crucial that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD specialist. This applies to both GPs and psychiatrists.
Waiting times
In the UK adults who require an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting for years to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. This is despite the fact that the condition is recognised as an extremely serious mental health condition and that it has significant impacts on people's lives. In some regions waiting times can last as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The issue is made worse by the growing awareness of the condition and the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a lot of patients are opting to seek treatment from private clinics. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to choose private health providers.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. It has seen a surge in the number of people seeking an assessment, which exceeds its capacity at present. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in dealing with adults, and are better able to recognize the subtleties of ADHD. They are more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities like depression and anxiousness, which can often accompany ADHD.
However, many are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to over-diagnose the disease. The issue came to the attention of the public when a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the way in which some private clinics were giving diagnoses without proper procedure. Some have accused the programme of stoking stereotypes and stigmatizing people with ADHD.
The BBC deserves to be praised, however, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's a shame that some of those who need assistance are required to seek it privately and the NHS needs to work out ways to deal with the issue. In the meantime, if you think you might be suffering from ADHD You can take advantage of the free test offered by a charity, or pay for an assessment from private psychiatrists. They are generally less expensive than the NHS but they do not come with prescriptions.
Second opinion
It is crucial to seek a diagnosis if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will assist you in managing your symptoms and take medications. You may be referred to a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. There are a variety of private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration treatments. These clinics are typically adept with the various types of adults who may have ADHD, including men and women. They are also able to look for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however the waiting time for NHS services are significantly longer. Typically, you will pay for a first assessment, and then follow-up appointments as needed. If you are insured that covers you, it is likely to cover these appointments. These appointments will be conducted in a professional manner by nurses who are trained and have a special interest ADHD. The initial appointment will usually consist of clinical interviews and grading scales. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires and be referred to for further tests, for example, an MRI.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time and titration fees. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and it can be less expensive. The process of titration takes longer and requires additional appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has been questioned after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before turning to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation exposed a variety of instances where patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is problematic because it can be extremely stressful for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed, and a few patients have been given medication that causes negative side effects.
In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as titration. Most health insurance policies cover these tests. However, it is worth checking to see whether you're covered.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP suggests a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask questions and conduct an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine if your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. They will also look for co-morbidities, or other mental health conditions. Most often, these are anxiety and depression. The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment, including medication if necessary.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will inquire you about your family history as well as current issues at home and at work. They will also ask you about any medications that you are taking. The interview will be planned and you can bring your family member or friend to assist you through the process. It typically takes a few sessions for the assessment to arrive at a diagnosis. Some clinics will offer a comprehensive evaluation, while others will only test specific symptoms.
The poor quality of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny following an Panorama investigation. The programme's undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his GP insisted that he did not have the condition. The BBC claimed that the story was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private firms. However doctors are only permitted to refer patients to further examination or prescribe medications in accordance with strict guidelines.
Many doctors will not sign a shared care agreement with the NHS and is the only way they can transfer their patient's care to the service after the patient has received a private diagnosis. They believe they aren't experts on ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication for their patients, which can make it difficult for patients to receive the treatment they need.
If your GP hasn't referred you for an ADHD assessment, ask them to do so. You can find out your estimated waiting time by calling the local mental health service or by using the Right To Choose site. The site allows you select an online ADHD assessment service that will be offered by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Having 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 and their friends and family better support them. It also assists them to determine the best treatment plan. It is not always simple to obtain an assessment. In the UK people must wait a long time for an NHS assessment. This can be frustrating for those trying to determine if they are having ADHD.
If you're unable to wait, it is possible to request an assessment in private with a specialist psychiatrist who is experienced. You will be able to save time and avoid having to go to your GP. It is not an easy procedure and could take months but it will give you an accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. It is important to ensure that the person conducting your test is either a psychologist or psychiatrist, since click here they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are certified to assess ADHD.
A private assessment could include an interview with psychiatrists. The doctor will ask questions about your mental health, childhood experiences and other aspects. The doctor will also use rating scales and ask about your current struggles in school, work, and relationships. The doctor will also address other symptoms that could indicate ADHD.
This will result in a comprehensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your permission. They may also prescribe medication if appropriate. They can also assist you to find other ways of support, including tutoring and support for your study skills. If you are an undergraduate student, they can also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance.
While it is not ideal to take short cuts however, the reality is that NHS services are overloaded and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners by using online assessments or private clinics that offer short appointments and little or no medical expertise. These methods should be avoided. However, those suffering from ADHD should still seek a diagnosis if they can afford it.