ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extremely thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms cause significant impairment, and also rule out other conditions such as thyroid or depression. They can also request old school reports and other evidence to support your claim.
It is important that the person performing your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This applies to GP's and consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting at various times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years for an appointment with psychiatrists. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder with an impact on the lives of people. In some areas waiting times can last as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The problem is exacerbated by the growing awareness of the condition and the growing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet the demand and many patients decide to seek treatment from private providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to choose private healthcare providers.
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 exceeding its capacity. Those who choose to go the private route are typically more successful, since private psychiatrists are more adept at dealing with adults and will be more familiar with the nuances of the condition. They are more likely to have experience managing co-morbidities like depression and anxiousness that can be a result of ADHD.
However, many are still worried about the quality of private assessments and their potential to over-diagnose the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics made diagnoses without following due process. Some have even accused the program of inciting stereotypes and stigmatizing people who suffer from ADHD.
However, the BBC should be praised for exposing this issue and highlighting the dire situation of adults who need an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some people are forced to seek assistance privately. The NHS should find a way to fix this problem. If you suspect that you might have ADHD Consider a no-cost screening with a charity or pay for an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess your. These are typically cheaper than the NHS, but will not issue a prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is crucial to seek a diagnosis when you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A clear diagnosis will allow you to make the appropriate steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You could be referred to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. There are numerous private clinics offering diagnosis and titration services. These clinics have a lot of experience dealing with a diverse range of adults, both men and women, who may suffer from ADHD. They can also screen for co-morbidities like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however they are typically significantly faster than NHS waiting times. Typically, you pay for a first assessment, and then follow-up appointments if needed. If you have insurance that covers you, it is likely to cover these appointments. These appointments are conducted by trained nurses who have a particular interest in ADHD and are certified to assess the condition. Initial appointments usually include clinical interviews and rating systems. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires, and you may be referred for additional tests, such as an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The price includes both the assessment time and titration fees. Some private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and it can be less expensive. The process of titration can take longer and requires 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 revealed a number instances where patients were given the diagnosis of ADHD, which was later withdrawn. This is a problem because it can be extremely stressful for people to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed, and a few patients have been prescribed medication that has adverse side effects.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 which includes the initial assessment and the adjustment. The majority of health insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it is worthwhile to verify if you have coverage.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP recommends you to an expert clinic, the doctor will ask you questions and conduct an assessment. They will determine if your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and if they meet the criteria for diagnosing the condition. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that may be present. These include 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 and current issues at home and at work. They will also ask about any medications that you're taking. They will then conduct a structured interview. You should bring a trusted friend or relative with you to provide collateral information. The test will typically require several sessions to reach the diagnosis. Some clinics will provide a comprehensive evaluation, while others will only test specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the inadequate treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought it to the fore. The reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his GP insisted that he did not have the condition. The BBC argued that the report was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private companies, but GPs are only able to refer patients to further investigations or prescribe medication under strict guidelines.
Many GPs refuse to sign an agreement for shared healthcare with the NHS. This is the only way to transfer the treatment of their patients to the NHS following a private diagnosis. They believe they aren't experts on ADHD or psychiatry. A lot of private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications for their patients, which could make it difficult for them to receive the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you for an ADHD assessment in the event that they haven't yet. You can find out the estimated wait time by calling your local mental health clinic 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. Not only does it help individuals better understand themselves as well as help them as well as their family and friends better help them. It can also help them identify the right treatment strategy. It is not always simple to determine a diagnosis. In the UK, people have to wait for a long time to receive an NHS assessment. This can be a problem for many who are seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can refer yourself to an expert psychiatrist for a private assessment. This will help you save time and the hassle of visiting your GP. It is not an easy process and can take months, but it will provide you with more precise diagnosis than the NHS one. It is important to make sure that the person conducting the test is a psychiatrist or psychologist, as these are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to assess ADHD in the UK.
Iam Psychiatry will likely include a consultation with a psychiatrist, including questions about your mental health and childhood history. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your current struggles at work, at school, or in relationships. They will also discuss any other symptoms you have which could be indicative of ADHD.
This will result in a comprehensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your permission. If appropriate, they will also prescribe medication. They can also assist you in obtaining other forms of support, including study skills and mentoring. If you're students, they will also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance.
It's not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners using online assessments or private clinics with short appointments and little or no medical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided, however there is no reason why people suffering from ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.