ADHD Assessments in the UK
Many people struggle to get an ADHD assessment, especially those who are on the NHS. This is due to the fact that the system struggles to meet the demand.
GPs are able to inquire about symptoms and family history but they are not able to diagnose or perform an assessment. Only clinicians can do this.
Symptoms
It is important to consult a doctor if you suspect that your symptoms might be related to ADHD. In the UK, you can arrange to see an experienced psychiatrist who is a specialist in mental illness. It is a structured and formal appointment with a doctor. He will request an extensive psychiatric background as well as determine any other health conditions that could be present with or instead of ADHD.
During your assessment you will be asked to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. You will be asked to evaluate your symptoms on the scale. The psychiatrist will take all this information into consideration and determine whether you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. This will be determined by the DSM V criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked for details regarding your symptoms and when they started and if they occurred in childhood. You will be asked to explain how these symptoms affect your life and relationships, particularly at work or in high-stress situations.
A person with inattention ADHD might struggle to concentrate in class or during an online conference call and may miss important information. This might result in relationships breaking down or tension. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can cause people to lose things often, like keys phones, keys or wallets. This can lead to a lot of anxiety as people are looking for them and delegating their tasks to others.
It is also typical for the psychiatrist to speak with relatives who know you well and to review old school reports, if they are available. It can be beneficial to speak to a teacher or other educational professional who is familiar with you from the past, particularly if you have been struggling in school.
You will be asked to complete questionnaires prior to your appointment. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle, mental health and any behavioural issues you have had in the past. When you visit the doctor it is common for a psychiatrist to observe you. This is extremely beneficial in diagnosing ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to recognize ADHD, especially for adults. It's important to have the correct diagnosis to receive the appropriate treatment and support. A professional assessment is the initial step in obtaining the correct diagnosis. A professional psychiatrist will listen to you and analyze the symptoms that are causing you difficulties. They will also check for any comorbid conditions that could be the cause of your symptoms. ADHD symptoms can cause distress and impact your quality of life. These symptoms include difficulties concentrating, making careless errors and acting out in a rash manner. You might also experience difficulties with time management and organisation. These issues can create problems at home, school or work.
A series of discussions will be conducted with the specialist during the course of an assessment. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical background as well as the mental health of your family members. They also employ rating scales and questionnaires to gather information about your ADHD. Information from people who are familiar with you such as a spouse or a close friend, can be sought for additional insights. This ensures that the evaluation is as accurate as possible.
The doctor will confirm your diagnosis if they conclude that you have ADHD by using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They will talk about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will also take into consideration any comorbid disorders you might suffer from, such as anxiety or depression.
The NHS offers a great service however, delays in assessment can be a source of frustration for people with ADHD. The BBC recently reported that some adults have waited up to two years for an NHS diagnosis after being referred by their doctors. This is due to the massive rise in demand and limited capacity and some NHS trusts removing their waiting lists completely.
Fortunately, private ADHD assessments provide a more direct approach to diagnosis. what is an adhd assessment do not need the approval of your doctor to use NHS services and you can also self-refer yourself for private assessments. Many patients have noticed that it's easier to receive a diagnosis from a private doctor since there aren't any waiting lists and they can avoid the frustration of waiting for life-changing treatment.
Treatment
Once the specialist has concluded their assessment, you will be informed of a potential diagnosis and the treatment options. It is usually a medication treatment plan, though psychotherapy may also be offered. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies for coping and managing your symptoms so they do not affect your life in the same way. The medication prescribed is usually stimulant that enhances the transmission of brain cells. The most popular form is methylphenidate tablets. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets, and taken twice or three times daily. The doctor will inform you of the duration you should take the medication, but the majority of patients are prescribed it for as long as it's efficient.
During the assessment the doctor will be asking for input from individuals who know you well like your coworkers and family members. This will enable them to gather information that was not discussed during your appointment. They will also determine if you have comorbid conditions that commonly occur with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If your doctor finds you to be suffering from ADHD, they will draft a report that they will forward to your GP. They might also suggest a referral to an expert for ongoing support and care.
The NHS's services have struggled to meet the growing demand for ADHD tests in recent years as the BBC reports. The BBC claims that this is partly due to the fact that a lot of people do not realise their symptoms are linked to ADHD. This could lead to them being referred to other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce has been created to help reduce waiting times and ensure that patients receive the help they require. The taskforce will bring together sector-wide expertise and provide joint-up solutions. But targeted investment is needed to expand ADHD and give the resources needed to meet the demands.
Support
Currently, getting an assessment for ADHD within the NHS in the UK involves quite a lengthy wait. In fact, a system program director told the BBC that the amount of demands for adult ADHD assessments had increased by 700% over the past year, and certain areas had wait lists that stretched over two years. The NHS has been working on this issue and recently launched a taskforce that will enhance access to specialist help for adults ADHD sufferers.
This should help to reduce the length of waiting for assessments, and it will help clinicians ensure that patients are referred to the most appropriate manner. For instance, a person who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP for a professional opinion, due to the fact that, in addition to having ADHD the majority of these people suffer from mental health issues that are related to it.
The NHS offers a variety of ADHD tests for those who are thinking about seeking medical treatment or who have been diagnosed with the condition. These tests are usually performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist or other professional who has experience diagnosing adult ADHD. The test may take between 45 and 90 minutes and is usually conducted over the phone or via video conference.
During the examination, the clinician will discuss with you your history with ADHD symptoms and your past experiences with them. They will then ask about your mental health and any other mental health issues you have been affected by, or that your family members suffered from. It is essential to talk about everything during the assessment, as it can help the clinician determine if you're suffering from ADHD.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will decide on a treatment program. This usually includes medication and psychotherapy. Other support services, like workshops and peer-support groups could also be included.
If you want to accelerate the process of obtaining an assessment may opt to access private healthcare providers instead of waiting for the NHS. This is possible through self-referral - or, in some cases with the permission of your GP. Private healthcare providers provide easier access to specialist mental health services, and these appointments are usually faster than NHS ones.