ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally a fairly comprehensive procedure. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment, and rule out other conditions such as depression or thyroid. They might also request old school records or other evidence.
It is vital that the person assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is true for GP's and consultants as well.
Waiting times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years to get an appointment with psychiatrists. This is despite the fact that ADHD is recognized as a serious mental health disorder and that it has significant impacts on people's lives. 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 growing awareness of this condition and the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet the demand and many patients decide to seek treatment from private clinics. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private healthcare providers.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. The number of adults requesting an assessment has exploded, and is currently exceeding the capacity of the service. If you choose to go the private route are typically much better served, as private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and will be more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression, which can often accompany ADHD.
Many are still worried about the quality of private assessments, and the potential for them to overdiagnose the condition. The issue was brought to the public's attention when an BBC Panorama investigation exposed the method by which some private clinics were awarding diagnoses without due process. Some have even accused the programme of stoking stereotypes and stigmatizing people who suffer from ADHD.
However, the BBC should be commended for exposing this problem and highlighting the suffering of adults who need an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some are forced to seek assistance privately. The NHS should come up with a solution to fix this problem. In the meantime, if you suspect you may have ADHD, you can try an assessment for free with an organization, or pay for an assessment from an individual psychiatrist. These are usually cheaper than the NHS but do not include a prescription.
Second opinion
If you're struggling with symptoms of ADHD, it is important to receive a diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis will allow you to take steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You may also be recommended to a psychiatrist additional treatment. There are numerous private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration services. These clinics have lots of experience working with a broad spectrum of adults, including men and women, who might suffer from ADHD. They also test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they are typically much quicker than NHS waiting times. Typically, you pay for an initial assessment, and then subsequent appointments as required. If you have insurance that covers you, it is likely to cover these appointments. These appointments will be performed in a professional manner by nurses who have been trained and have a specific interest in ADHD. The initial appointment will normally consist of clinical interviews and grading scales. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires and be referred to for further tests, like an MRI.
It is possible to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 in a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time and titration costs. Some private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis, and may be less expensive. However, the process of titration takes longer and requires additional appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited three years for an NHS assessment, before turning to a doctor in desperate need. The BBC investigation exposed a number of cases where patients received the diagnosis of ADHD but were later taken off. This is a serious problem, as it can be extremely distressing for patients to be wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse side effects.
In Scotland In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 which includes the initial assessment and the titration. Most health insurance plans will cover these tests, but it's important to check with your insurance provider to determine if the policy you have covers them.
Referral to specialist clinics
If your GP suggests an expert clinic, the physician will ask questions and perform an assessment of your clinical needs. They will assess whether your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also check for co-morbidities, or any other mental health conditions. They are typically depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication, if necessary.
During the test, you will be asked about your family background as well as your current issues at home and work. private adult adhd assessment uk will also inquire about any medications that you are taking. The interview will be structured and you can bring your family member or friend to help you through the process. The test will typically require a few sessions to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics will provide an extensive evaluation, whereas others will focus on specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the poor treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought it to light. The reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics, but his doctor insisted that he was not suffering from the condition. The BBC claimed that the report was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private firms. However doctors are only able to refer patients for further investigation or prescribe medication when they adhere to strict guidelines.
Many GPs will refuse to sign an agreement to share care with the NHS as it is the only way they can refer their patient's treatment to the service after a private diagnosis. They feel they are not experts on ADHD or psychiatry. Also, GPs should be aware that many private psychiatrists will not prescribe medication, which may make it difficult for patients to get the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation if they haven't already. You should be able to find out the estimated wait time by contacting your local mental health clinic, or by using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service, which will be offered by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Having an ADHD diagnosis can be life changing. Not only does it help 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 determine the best treatment strategy. However, obtaining an accurate diagnosis isn't always straightforward. In the UK, people have to wait a long time for an NHS assessment. This can be frustrating for many who are looking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can refer yourself to an expert psychiatrist for a private evaluation. This will save you time and a trip to your GP. This is a lengthy procedure that could take months. However it will provide you with an accurate diagnosis than the ones offered by the NHS. It is crucial to make sure that the person who conducts your test is a psychiatrist or psychologist, as these are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to determine ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment may include an interview with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrists. Questions will be asked about your mental health, your childhood history and other aspects. The doctor will also employ ratings scales and inquire about your current struggles in work, school, and 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 provide to your GP with your permission. They will also offer medication if appropriate. They can also help with other forms of support, including tutoring and study skills. They will also help you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at a university.
While it's not ideal to take short cuts, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. In the end, there are people who try to cut the line by using online assessments or private clinics that provide quick appointments, but offer no expertise in clinical practice. These shortcuts are not recommended, but there's no reason to think that people with ADHD should not seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.