ADHD Assessments in the UK
Many people are unable to get an ADHD assessment, particularly those who are on the NHS. This is because the system is unable to keep up with the demand.
GPs can ask about family history and symptoms but they are not able to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only doctors can perform this.
Symptoms
It is essential to speak with your doctor if you believe that your symptoms might be linked to ADHD. In the UK it is possible to book an assessment with a psychiatrist, or a specialist in mental health. It is a formal, scheduled appointment with a doctor who will take a complete medical history and determine any other health issues that may be present in conjunction with or instead of ADHD.
During your assessment you will be asked to provide examples of your symptoms. You will be asked to rate them on the scale. All of the information you provide will be considered by the psychiatrist when deciding if you're eligible to receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be determined based on the DSM V criteria of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder/Deficit.
You will be asked for details of the symptoms you experience, such as how long you've been experiencing them and whether they began in your the early years of your life. You will also be asked to explain how these symptoms impact on your relationships and personal life particularly at work or in high stress situations.
For instance, someone who has attention-deficit ADHD symptoms might find it difficult to concentrate in class or on an online conference call and will often miss out on important information. This can lead to relationships breaking down or tension. Inattentive ADHD can cause people who suffer from it to lose things, such as phones keys, wallets, and wallets often. This can cause stress because they have to search for their belongings and delegating tasks to others.
The psychiatrist may also talk to relatives and review old school reports if they are available. It is sometimes also beneficial to speak with a teacher or other educational professional who has a connection to you from the past, particularly in the case of struggling in school.
The examination usually involves physical examinations, and you will be asked to complete questionnaires before your appointment. They will inquire about your lifestyle and mental health, and will ask about any behavioural problems that you have had in the past. When you visit the doctor, it is normal for psychiatrists to observe you. This is extremely beneficial in diagnosing ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
It can be challenging to determine ADHD especially for adults. To receive the best treatment and support it is crucial to get the right diagnosis. A professional evaluation is the first step towards obtaining the proper diagnosis. A professional psychiatrist will listen to and analyze your symptoms. They will also look for any comorbid conditions that could cause symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD can impact your life quality and cause distress. They could include issues in concentrating, making mistakes, and acting in impulsive ways. You might also experience difficulties with time management and organisation. These issues can create problems at school, at home or at work.
A medical assessment involves a series of conversations with the doctor. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history and the mental health of your family. They will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to gather information about your ADHD symptoms. To get a better understanding of your ADHD you might be asked to share your thoughts from people who know you well. This could be your partner, a family member, or a close friend. This ensures that the assessment is as accurate as it can be.
If the specialist determines that you suffer from ADHD, they will use the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 to confirm your diagnosis. They will review your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. They will also look at any other disorders that you may be suffering from such as anxiety or depression.
The NHS provides a fantastic service however, delays in assessment can be very frustrating for those with ADHD. BBC reported recently that some adults waited as long as two years before receiving an NHS diagnosis after a referral from their doctor. This is due to the huge demand for services and the resulting shortage of capacity, with some NHS trusts removing their waiting lists completely.
Fortunately, private ADHD assessments provide an easier method of diagnosis. While you need a GP referral to get access to the NHS but you can self-refer to private assessments. Many patients have found that it takes less time to get a private diagnosis since there aren't any waiting lists, and they can avoid the frustration of having to wait for life-changing treatment.
Treatment
After the doctor has completed the assessment, you'll be informed of a potential diagnosis and any treatment options. This is typically a medication treatment plan, but psychotherapy is also offered. Psychotherapy can help you develop strategies for coping and managing your symptoms so that they do not affect your life as significantly. The medication is usually prescribed as a stimulant which improves the way that signals are passed between brain cells. It is usually taken in tablets with methylphenidate being the most commonly used. It can be prescribed in immediate-release or a modified-release tablet and taken twice or three times a day. The doctor will inform you of the duration you should take the medication, but most patients are prescribed it for as long as it's efficient.
During the evaluation, your specialist will likely be asking for input from those who know you well, such as co-workers and family members. This will enable them to collect information that was not discussed during your appointment. They will also assess whether you have comorbid conditions that typically occur with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If your doctor has diagnosed ADHD, he or she will write a report that they will submit to your GP. They might also suggest referral to a different specialist for ongoing care and support.
BBC reports that the NHS has been struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessment in recent years. The BBC claims that this is partly because many people are unaware that their symptoms are connected to ADHD. This could cause people to be diagnosed with another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce has been launched to try to cut down waiting times and ensure that patients get the help they need. more resources will bring together expertise from different fields and provide integrated solutions. However, targeted investments are also needed to expand ADHD services and provide them with the resources they require to meet demand.
Support
The NHS in the UK has a long wait for ADHD assessments. In fact, one program director informed the BBC that the amount of demands for adult ADHD assessments had increased by 700% in the past year, and certain areas had wait lists that stretched over two years. The NHS has been tackling this issue, and recently formed a taskforce that will improve access to specialist support for adult ADHD sufferers.
This will help reduce the length of waiting for assessments, and it will help clinicians ensure that patients are referred to the most appropriate way. For instance, someone who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP for a professional opinion, because, aside from being diagnosed with ADHD they may also have mental health issues related to it.
The NHS offers a range of ADHD assessments to people who are thinking about medical treatment or have been diagnosed with this condition. Typically, these will be carried out by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adult ADHD. The process of assessing can take between 45 to 90 minutes, and it is usually held on the phone or via video call.
During the assessment the clinician will ask you questions about your past experience with ADHD symptoms and your past experiences with them. The counselor will ask you about your mental health and any mental health issues that you or your family members have had. It is important that you talk about all of these issues during the evaluation. This will help the doctor determine if you are suffering from ADHD.
The specialist will decide on the treatment plan following the evaluation. This usually includes medication and psychotherapy. It may also involve other support services such as peer-support groups and workshops.
If you'd like to receive an assessment faster, you can go to a private healthcare provider rather than wait for the NHS. You can self-refer or, in some cases, obtain your GP's consent. Private healthcare providers provide a direct route to specialist mental healthcare. These appointments are typically shorter than NHS ones.