ADHD Assessments in the UK
Many people are unable to get an ADHD assessment, especially those who are on the NHS. This is due to the fact that the system struggles to keep up with the demand.
GPs are able to inquire about family history and symptoms however they are unable to diagnose or conduct an assessment. Only clinicians are able to perform this.
Symptoms
It is important to consult your doctor if you believe that your symptoms could be related to ADHD. In the UK, you can arrange to meet with a psychiatrist who is a specialist in mental illness. It is a formal and structured appointment with a doctor who will take a full mental health history and also identify any other health issues that may be present in conjunction with or in addition to ADHD.
During your assessment you will be asked to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. You will be asked to rate them on the scale. The psychiatrist will take all the information into consideration and determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. This will be based upon the DSM V criteria of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked for specific details about your symptoms and when they started and if you had them during your childhood. You will also be asked to explain how these symptoms impact on your life and relationships especially at work or in high stress situations.
For instance, someone who has inattention ADHD symptoms may have difficulty concentrating in class or during an online conference call and will often miss important information. This could cause tension in relationships, or even an unhappiness. Inattention ADHD can cause people who suffer from it to lose items like phones keys, wallets, or wallets often. This can create a lot of stress since people have to spend a lot of time looking for them and assigning their duties to others.
The psychiatrist may also talk to relatives and review old school reports if they are available. Sometimes, it is beneficial to speak with a teacher or other educational professional who knows you from the past, particularly when you've had a difficult time in school.
You will be asked to fill in questionnaires prior to your appointment. You will be asked about your life style, mental health, and any previous behavioural issues. During your appointment it is common for psychiatrists to observe you. This is very helpful in identifying ADHD or other health issues.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD can be a challenge particularly for adults. To receive the most effective treatment and support, it's crucial to have the correct diagnosis. A professional assessment is the initial step in obtaining the correct diagnoses. A good psychiatrist will listen to you and analyze the symptoms that are causing your problems. They will also search for any comorbid conditions that could be causing symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD can affect your daily life and cause anxiety. They could include issues with concentration, making impulsive mistakes, and acting out of the blue. You may also have difficulty in managing your time and organizing. These issues can create problems at school, home or work.
A series of discussions will be held with the specialist during the course of an assessment. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as the mental health of your family. They may also utilize questionnaires and rating scales to help gather information about your ADHD symptoms. To gain more understanding you might be asked to give input from those who know you well. This could be a partner, a relative or a close family member. This will help ensure that the assessment is as complete as possible.
I Am Psychiatry will confirm your diagnosis if they determine that you have ADHD by using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They will talk about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will also take into consideration any other disorders that you may be suffering from like anxiety or depression.
The NHS offers a wonderful service however, delays in assessment can be very frustrating for those with ADHD. The BBC recently reported that adults have waited for up to two years to receive an NHS diagnosis after being referred by their doctor. This is due to the huge rise in demand and limited capacity as well as some NHS trusts removing their waiting lists completely.
Private ADHD assessments are a more effective method to identify ADHD. You don't need an appointment with your doctor to access NHS services and you can also self-refer yourself for private assessments. Many patients find that a private diagnosis is faster because there aren't waiting lists. They can also save the hassle of waiting in line for life-changing treatments.
Treatment
After the doctor has completed their examination, they will inform you of any possible diagnosis and treatment options. This is usually a medication-based treatment plan. Psychotherapy is also advised. Psychotherapy can help you discover coping strategies and manage your symptoms so that they do not affect your life as much. The medication prescribed is usually a stimulant that increases the transmission of brain cells. It is usually taken in tablets with methylphenidate being the most common. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets and taken two or three times daily. The doctor will advise you the duration of the medication. However, most patients are prescribed as long as they believe it to be efficient.
During the evaluation the doctor will also ask for input from those who know you well like your coworkers and family members. This will enable them to gather information that could not have been disclosed during your appointment. They will also check if you have any comorbid issues, such as depression or anxiety, that are often associated with ADHD.
If your doctor diagnoses ADHD, he or she will write a report that they will send to you GP. They may also recommend the referral to an expert to provide ongoing support and care.
The NHS's services have had a difficult time to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests in recent years, the BBC reports. The BBC says this is due to the fact that many people are unaware that their symptoms are linked to ADHD. This can lead to them being referred to other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce was created to cut down on waiting times and ensure that patients get the help they require. The taskforce will bring together cross-sector expertise and provide joined-up solutions. However, targeted investments are also needed to expand ADHD services and give them the resources they need to meet the demand.
Support
Presently, obtaining an assessment for ADHD within the NHS in the UK is a long wait. A system programme manager told the BBC that the demand for adult ADHD assessment had increased by 700% in one year and some areas have waiting lists that lasted more than two years. The NHS has been working on this issue and recently established an taskforce to improve access to specialist support for adults ADHD sufferers.
This will help reduce the length of time needed for assessments and allow clinicians to refer people in the most efficient way. For example, someone who has a family history of ADHD should be referred by their GP to a specialist opinion. This is because, aside from being diagnosed with ADHD the majority of these people suffer from mental health issues that are related to it.
The NHS offers a variety of ADHD tests to those who are thinking about medical treatment or have been diagnosed with this condition. They are typically performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in diagnosing adult ADHD. The test may be between 45 and 90 minutes and is usually conducted by phone or video conference.
During the assessment the clinician will ask you questions about your past experience with ADHD symptoms and your past experiences with them. They will then ask about your mental health and any other mental health issues that you've experienced, or that your family members have suffered from. It is crucial to discuss all of these issues during the assessment. This will help the doctor determine if you suffer from ADHD.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will determine a treatment plan. This usually includes psychotherapy and medication. It could also include other support services, such as peer-support groups and workshops.
If you want to get an appointment faster you can go to a private healthcare provider than wait for the NHS. This can be done through self-referral or, in certain cases with the permission of your doctor. Private healthcare providers provide an easy route to specialist mental healthcare. These appointments are typically faster than NHS ones.