ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually a fairly comprehensive process. A psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms cause significant impairment and will rule out other illnesses, such as thyroid or depression. They may also ask for older school reports or other evidence.
It is vital that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD specialist. This is the case for both GPs and psychiatrists.
Waiting times
In the UK adults who require an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years for an appointment with psychiatrists. The condition is recognized as a serious mental disorder with a significant impact on the lives of people. In some areas, waiting times can last as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The problem is exacerbated by the increasing awareness of this condition and the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling with demand and many patients choose to seek treatment from private providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to choose private healthcare providers.
Psychiatry UK is one such service that offers an online ADHD assessment and prescriptions for the NHS. The number of adults requesting an assessment has increased dramatically and is currently over its capacity. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in dealing with adults and are better equipped to comprehend the nuances of ADHD. They are more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities like depression and anxiousness that are often associated with ADHD.
However, many people are concerned about the quality of private assessments and their potential to over-diagnose the condition. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics have made diagnoses without following the proper process. Some have accused the program of spreading stigma and stereotyping about people suffering from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing this problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some are forced to seek help privately. The NHS should find a way to address this issue. If you think you may have ADHD, try a free test with a charity or pay for a private psychiatrist to evaluate you. They are generally less expensive than the NHS but they do not come with a prescription.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek a diagnosis when you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will assist you in managing your symptoms and take medication. You may also be directed to a psychiatrist for additional treatment. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and adjustment. These clinics have a lot of experience working with a broad spectrum of adults, including women and men who might suffer from ADHD. They also look for co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments are costly however, waiting time for NHS services are more lengthy. You typically pay for the initial assessment, and then make follow-up appointments if necessary. These appointments are covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by specially trained nurses who have a particular interest in ADHD and are qualified to evaluate the condition. Initial appointments typically involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You could be required to complete questionnaires and referred for additional tests, like an MRI.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost covers the assessment time and titration costs. Some private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis and are less expensive. The process of titration takes longer and requires additional appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has come under scrutiny after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient sat for 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 which was later removed. This is a serious problem because it can be very distressing for patients to be wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse negative side effects.
In Scotland the cost for an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and covers the initial assessment and titration. Most health insurance policies cover these tests. However, it's worth checking to see whether you're covered.
Referral to a specialist 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 indicative of ADHD and if they meet the criteria for diagnosis. They will also check for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that may be present. Often, these will be anxiety and depression. The clinician will then discuss possible 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 at work. They will also inquire about any medications that you are taking. They will then conduct a structured interview, and you must bring a trusted friend or relative with you to provide additional information. It typically requires a few sessions for the assessment to establish a diagnosis. Some clinics offer an extensive evaluation, whereas others will only test specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the poor provision of ADHD services in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The undercover reporter on the show was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, but his GP said that he didn't suffer from it. The BBC claimed that the report was a case of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However, GPs are only allowed to refer patients to further investigation or prescribe medication when they adhere to strict guidelines.
Many GPs will refuse to sign an agreement for shared care with the NHS and is the only way they can transfer their patient's care to the hospital following a private diagnosis. This is because they feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. GPs should also note that many private psychiatrists will not prescribe medications, which could make it difficult for their patients to receive the treatment they require.
If your GP hasn't recommended you for an ADHD assessment and treatment, ask for it. You should be able to find out the estimated waiting time by contacting the local mental health services, or by using in person adhd assessment the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service that is provided by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever. It not only helps individuals better understand themselves and their needs, but it also helps them and their family and friends better support them. It also helps them determine the best treatment plan. It is not always simple to determine an assessment. In the UK people must wait for a long time to receive an NHS assessment. This can be frustrating for many who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, it is possible to self-refer for a private assessment with an experienced specialist psychiatrist. This can save you time and a trip to your GP. This is a lengthy procedure that can take a few months. However it will provide you with a more accurate diagnoses that those offered by the NHS. You must make sure that the person who is conducting your test is either a psychiatrist or psychologist because they are the sole healthcare professionals in the UK that are qualified to determine ADHD.
A private evaluation could involve an interview with psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your mental health, childhood history and other factors. The doctor will also employ rating scales and ask about your current struggles in school, work, and relationships. They will also discuss any other symptoms you experience that might indicate the presence of ADHD.
This will result in a comprehensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will provide to your GP with your consent. They will also offer medications if they are needed. They will also help you access other forms of support, such as tutoring and support for your study skills. If you are students, they will assist you with applying for Disabled Students Allowance.
It's not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. As a result, there are people who try to cut the line through online assessments and private clinics that provide quick appointments with little or no clinical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided, however there's no reason to think that those suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment if they are able to afford it.