ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally an extensive process. A psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms cause significant impairment and rule out other illnesses like depression or thyroid problems. They may also request old school reports or other evidence to back up their claims.
It is crucial that the person who is conducting your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This is the case for GP's as well as consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are waiting for years for an appointment with psychiatrists. This is despite the fact that ADHD is recognized as an extremely serious mental health condition and has profound impact on the lives of people. In some regions waiting time can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is being amplified by the increasing awareness of the condition and a rise in the demand for treatments. NHS services are struggling with demand, and many patients opt to seek treatment from private clinics. This has been facilitated by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose for private healthcare from any provider.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in various parts of the country. It has seen an explosion in the number of adults who seek an assessment, and is currently exceeding its capacity. If you choose to go the private route are typically much better off, as private psychiatrists are more adept at dealing with adults and are more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiousness that are often associated with ADHD.
Many people are worried about the quality of private assessments, and the potential for them to misdiagnose the illness. The issue was brought to the attention of the public when a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the method by which some private clinics were awarding diagnoses without proper procedure. Some have accused the programme of stoking stigma and stereotyping against people with ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some are forced to seek help privately. The NHS should come up with a solution to address this issue. If you suspect that you might have ADHD Try a no-cost screening through a charity or pay an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess you. They're typically less expensive than the NHS but they do not give prescriptions for medication.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek out a diagnosis if you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will aid in managing your symptoms and take medications. You could also be recommended to a psychiatrist additional treatment. There are numerous private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration treatments. These clinics have plenty of experience with a wide range adults, including women and men, who may suffer from ADHD. They are also able to test for co-morbidities like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly, but they are usually significantly faster than NHS waiting times. Typically, you will pay for the initial assessment and then be able to schedule follow-up appointments as needed. If you are insured and coverage, it will cover these appointments. These appointments will be conducted by specially trained nurses who have a special interest in ADHD and are qualified to assess it. The initial appointment will typically involve clinical interviews and rating scales. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires and referred for additional tests, like an MRI.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both the assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Certain private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis and are cheaper. However the process of titration can be longer and requires a number of appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited three years for an NHS assessment before he went to a doctor in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a number instances where patients were given the diagnosis of ADHD, which was later removed. This is here a problem since it can be extremely distressing for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed, and some of them have been given medication that causes negative side effects.
In Scotland the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and covers the initial assessment and titration. The majority of health insurance companies cover these assessments, but it's worthwhile to inquire with your insurance company to determine if the policy you have will cover it.
Referral to specialist clinics
If your GP recommends you to an expert clinic, the clinician will ask you questions and perform an assessment. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that may be present. Most often, these are anxiety and depression. The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, including medication if needed.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at home and work. They will also ask you about any medications you are taking. The interview will be structured and you can bring an adult or a relative to assist you through the process. The examination will typically require several sessions to reach the diagnosis. Some clinics will offer an extensive evaluation, whereas others will focus on specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor provision of ADHD services in the NHS has brought it to light. 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 a case of "over-diagnosis" by private firms. However doctors are only able to refer patients to further investigation or prescribe medication when they adhere to strict guidelines.
Many GPs are unwilling to sign a contract for shared healthcare with the NHS. This is the only way to transfer the care of their patients to the NHS following a private diagnosis. They believe that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication for their patients, which can make it difficult for them to get the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you to an ADHD assessment if they haven't already. You can find out the estimated waiting time by contacting the local mental health services, or by using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you choose an online ADHD assessment service which will be provided by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Achieving an ADHD diagnosis can have a profound impact on your life. It not only helps individuals better understand themselves and their needs, but it also helps them and their family and friends better help them. It also helps them identify the right treatment strategy. However, obtaining a diagnosis is not always easy. In the UK, people have to wait a long time for an NHS assessment. This can cause anxiety for many who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can refer yourself to psychiatrists who specialize in private evaluation. It will help you save time and avoid a visit to your GP. This isn't a fast process and can take a long time but it will provide you with more precise diagnosis than the NHS one. It is essential to make sure that the person who conducts your assessment is a psychiatrist or psychologist because they are the only healthcare professionals qualified to determine ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment is likely to include a consultation with a psychiatrist, which will include questions about your mental health and childhood experiences. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your struggles at school, at work, or in relationships. The doctor will also address other symptoms that could be indicative of ADHD.
This will produce an extensive ADHD assessment report, which the psychiatrist will send to your GP with your permission. If necessary, they'll prescribe medication. They will also assist with other forms of support, including study skills and mentoring. They will also assist you in applying for Disabled Student Allowance if are a university student.
While it is not ideal to cut corners, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. Some people attempt to cut corners using online assessments or private clinics with fast appointments but with lack of expert clinical knowledge. These methods should be avoided, but there is no reason why people with ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.