ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD assessment is usually a fairly thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other conditions like depression or thyroid. They may also ask for old school records or other supporting evidence.
It is essential that the person assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is the case for psychiatrists as well as GPs.
Waiting at various times
Adults in the UK who require ADHD diagnoses are left waiting years to consult psychiatrists for years. The condition is recognized as a serious mental disorder that has a significant impact on the daily lives of people. In some regions, waiting time can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The problem is made worse by the increasing awareness of the condition and the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and many patients are choosing to seek treatment from private clinics. This is made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to opt for private health care from any provider.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. It has seen an explosion in the number of adults seeking an assessment, which is currently outpacing its capacity. People who opt to take the private route are usually more successful, since private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and will be more familiar with the nuances of the condition. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression which are often present in ADHD.
Many people are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to overdiagnose the condition. The issue came to the public's attention after a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the way in which some private clinics were granting diagnoses without due process. Some have claimed that the program is spreading stigma and stereotyping about people with ADHD.
The BBC deserves to be praised, for exposing the issue and highlighting the adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's a shame some people have to seek help privately. The NHS should find a way to address this issue. If you suspect you may have ADHD Try a no-cost screening through an organization or charity, or pay for a private psychiatrist to evaluate your. These are typically less expensive than the NHS but do not include prescriptions.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek a diagnosis when you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. An accurate diagnosis will allow you to take steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You may also be recommended to a psychiatrist additional therapy. Private clinics often offer diagnosis and titration. These clinics are generally experienced with the wide range of adults who may have ADHD, including both genders. They also screen for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however, wait times for NHS services are much longer. Typically, you pay for a first assessment and then be able to schedule follow-up appointments if needed. If you have insurance, your coverage will likely cover these appointments. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are trained and have a specific interest in ADHD. The initial appointment will usually include clinical interviews and rating scales. You may be asked to complete questionnaires and referred for additional tests, for example, an MRI.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration that is separate from diagnosis, and may be less expensive. However, the process of titration can be longer and requires a number of appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has come under scrutiny after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient had spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before deciding to go to an unofficial clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation exposed a variety of cases where patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is problematic because it can be extremely depressing for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed, and a few patients have been prescribed medications that have negative side effects.
In Scotland the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment and the titration. Most health insurers cover these assessments but it's worth checking with your insurer to see if your policy covers them.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP refers you to a specialist clinic, the specialist will ask you questions and perform an assessment. They will determine if your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and if they match the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. They will also check for co-morbidities, or other mental health issues. These are often depression and anxiety. The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, including medication, if necessary.
During an assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at home and work. They will also inquire about any medications you are taking. They will then conduct an organized interview, and you should bring a trusted friend or relative with you to provide additional information. It typically takes a few sessions for the evaluation to determine the diagnosis. Some clinics will offer an entire evaluation, while others will only test specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The undercover reporter on the show was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics while his GP claimed that he did not have ADHD. The BBC claimed that the report was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However doctors are only able to refer patients for further examination or prescribe medication in accordance with strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign a shared care agreement with the NHS and is the only way they can transfer the patient's care to the NHS following a private diagnosis. This is because they feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Private psychiatrists are not the only ones who 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 recommended you for an website ADHD assessment request them to do so. You can find out the estimated waiting time by contacting the local mental health services or by visiting the Right To Choose website. The site allows you to choose an online ADHD assessment service, which will be provided by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It not only helps individuals better understand themselves, but it also helps them and their family and friends better assist them. It can also help them identify the right treatment plan. 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 frustration for many people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, it is possible to request an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist who is experienced. You'll reduce time and avoid a visit to your GP. This is not a quick process and can take months but it will provide you with a more accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. You should ensure that the person conducting your test is a psychiatrist or psychologist because they are the sole healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
A private assessment is likely to include a consultation with a psychiatrist. This will include questions about your mental health and childhood history. The doctor will utilize rating scales to inquire about your struggles at school, at work or in relationships. They will also address any other signs you may have that could indicate the presence of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then send an extensive ADHD report to your GP with your permission. They may also prescribe medications if they are needed. They can also help with other forms of assistance, such as study skills and mentoring. They will also assist with applying for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at a university.
While it is not ideal to cut corners however, the reality is that NHS services are overwhelmed and underfunded. Some people attempt to cut corners by using online assessments or private clinics that offer short appointments and lack of medical expertise. These methods should be avoided, however there's no reason why people suffering from ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment when they can afford it.