ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally a fairly comprehensive process. A psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other illnesses like thyroid or depression. They may also request old school reports or other supporting evidence.
It is important that the person carrying out your assessment is an expert in ADHD. This is the case for GP's as well as consultant psychiatrists alike.
Waiting at various times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting for years to get an appointment with psychiatrists. This is despite the fact that the condition is recognized as an extremely serious mental health condition and that it has significant impacts on people's lives. In certain areas waiting times can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to help improve the situation.
The problem is made worse by the growing awareness of the condition and the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a lot of patients are choosing to seek treatment through private clinics. This is made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose for private health care from any provider.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. The service has seen a dramatic increase in the number of adults who seek an assessment, which is currently outpacing its capacity. People who opt to take the private route are generally much better off, as private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and will be more knowledgeable about the specifics 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 are still concerned about the accuracy of private assessments and the potential for them to misdiagnose the disease. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics were able to diagnose patients without following due process. Some have even accused the program of inciting stigma and stereotyping against people with ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing this issue and highlighting the adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some have to seek help privately. The NHS should come up with a solution to remedy this situation. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD, try a free screening through a charity or pay a private psychiatrist to evaluate your. They are usually less expensive than the NHS, but will not provide the prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is crucial to seek a diagnosis when you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and take medication. You could be referred to a psychiatrist for additional therapy. Many private clinics provide diagnosis and the ability to adjust. These clinics have plenty of experience dealing with a diverse range of adults, both men and women, who may suffer from ADHD. They also test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however, waiting times for NHS services are significantly longer. You typically pay for the initial assessment, and then arrange subsequent appointments if required. These appointments will be covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted in a professional manner by nurses who are certified and have a particular interest in ADHD. Initial appointments usually involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires, and then referred for further tests, for example, an MRI.
A private clinic will charge you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The price includes both the assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Some private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and this can be cheaper. However the process of titration takes longer and requires additional appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that a patient waited for three years to receive an NHS assessment, before turning to a clinic in desperation. The BBC investigation revealed a number of cases in which patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD which was later cancelled. This is a problem because it can be extremely distressing for patients to have their symptoms wrongly identified, and some of them have been prescribed medication that has adverse 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 will cover these tests but it's worth checking with your insurer to determine if the policy you have will cover it.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP refers to an expert clinic, the physician will ask questions and perform an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine whether your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and if they match the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also search for co-morbidities, or other mental health conditions. These are often anxiety and depression. The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, including medication if appropriate.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at work and home. They will also inquire about any medications you're taking. The interview will be organized and you may bring your family member or friend to assist you understand the information. It typically requires a few sessions for the assessment to establish a diagnosis. Some clinics offer a comprehensive examination, while others only test for specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the inadequate service offered to patients with ADHD in the NHS has brought it to the fore. The undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his GP claimed that he did not have the condition. The BBC said that the report was an example of "over-diagnosing" by private firms, however doctors can only refer patients to further investigations or prescribe medication under strict guidelines.
Many GPs will refuse to sign a shared care agreement with the NHS as it 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. The GP should also be aware that a lot of private psychiatrists will not prescribe medication, which could make it difficult for patients to get the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you to an ADHD assessment If they haven't done so already. You can find out the estimated wait time by contacting your local mental health service or by visiting the Right To Choose website. The site lets you choose an online ADHD assessment service which will be offered by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Having an ADHD diagnosis can be life changing. It not only helps individuals understand themselves better and their needs, but it also helps them as well as their family and friends better help them. It can also help them identify the right treatment plan. However, getting an accurate diagnosis isn't always easy. Particularly in the UK, where people are facing long waiting times for an assessment by the NHS. This can cause frustration for many who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, you can self-refer to psychiatrists who specialize in private assessment. This can save you time and also a visit to your GP. This is a lengthy process that can take a few months. However, private adhd assessment will give you more precise diagnoses than the ones provided by the NHS. You must make sure that the person who is conducting the assessment is either a psychologist or psychiatrist, since they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are certified to determine ADHD.
A private evaluation could involve an interview with psychiatrists. The doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, childhood experiences and other aspects. The doctor will utilize rating scales to inquire about your struggles at school, at work, or in relationships. They will also address any other symptoms you experience that could indicate the presence of ADHD.
The result will be a comprehensive ADHD assessment report, which the psychiatrist will send to your GP with your permission. If necessary, they'll prescribe medication. They can also assist you to find other ways of support, including mentoring and study skills support. If you're students, they will assist you in applying for Disabled Students Allowance.
It's not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. Some people attempt to save money by using online assessments or private clinics with quick appointments and not having any medical expertise. These methods should be avoided, however there is no reason why people with ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment when they can afford it.