ADHD Assessments in the UK
Many people find it difficult to get an ADHD assessment, especially those who are on the NHS. This is because the system is unable to keep pace with demand.
GPs may ask about symptoms and the family history, but they are not capable of diagnosing or conducting an assessment. Only clinicians can perform this.
Signs and symptoms
If you think that your symptoms could be related to ADHD it is essential to seek medical advice. In the UK it is possible to arrange an assessment with a psychiatrist or a specialist in mental health. It is a structured appointment that is formal with a physician. He will ask for an extensive psychiatric background as well as determine any other health issues that may be present along 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 evaluate your symptoms on a scale. All of the information you provide will be taken into consideration by the psychiatrist when deciding if you're eligible for an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. This will be based on the DSM V criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms and when they started and if you had them in childhood. You will also be asked to explain how these symptoms impact on your life and relationships, particularly at work or in high-stress situations.
Someone with inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate in class or during an online conference call and miss important information. This could cause tension in relationships or even an unhappiness. Inattention ADHD symptoms can also cause people to lose items often, including keys, phones or wallets. This can cause a lot stress as people spend time searching for them, and then delegating their tasks to others.
It is also common for psychiatrists to talk with family members who know you well and examine old school reports, if they are available. It may be beneficial to talk to a former teacher or educational expert, especially if you're school's performance has been low.
The examination usually involves an examination of the body and you'll be asked to complete questionnaires before your appointment. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle, mental health and any past behavioural issues. It is also common for a psychiatrist consultant to observe you during your appointment. This could be extremely helpful in aiding in making a diagnosis of ADHD or other health conditions.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging especially for adults. To receive the best treatment and support it is crucial to get the correct diagnosis. The first step in getting the right diagnosis is a professional evaluation. A professional psychiatrist will listen to and assess your symptoms. They will also search for comorbid conditions which may be causing symptoms. ADHD symptoms can cause anxiety and impact your quality of life. They can include problems with concentration, making impulsive mistakes, and acting in impulsive ways. You might also experience difficulties managing your time and organization. These issues can lead to problems at school, at work or at home.
A medical assessment involves a series of conversations with the specialist. They will ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and medical history and the mental health of your family members. They will also use rating scales and questionnaires to gather information about your ADHD. To gain more understanding you might be asked to give input from those who know you well. This could include a spouse, a parent or a close family member. This ensures that the evaluation is as accurate as possible.
If the doctor determines you have ADHD they will employ the diagnostic criteria laid out in the DSM-5 to confirm your diagnosis. They will talk about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider any comorbid disorders you may have like anxiety or depression.
The NHS offers a great service however, delays in assessment can be a source of frustration for people with ADHD. BBC reported that a few adults waited as long as two years before receiving an NHS diagnosis after a referral from their doctors. This is due to the dramatic increase in demand and the limited capacity as well as some NHS trusts closing their waiting lists completely.
Fortunately there are private ADHD assessments provide a more direct approach to diagnosis. While you require an GP referral to get access to the NHS, you can self-refer to private assessments. Many patients find that a private diagnosis is faster since there aren't any waiting lists. Patients also save the hassle of waiting for life-changing treatments.
Treatment
After the doctor has completed their assessment, you will be informed of a potential diagnosis and the treatment options. This is typically a medication treatment plan, though psychotherapy may also be offered. Psychotherapy can teach you how to cope and manage your symptoms so that they don't negatively impact your life. The medication prescribed is usually a stimulant that improves the transmission of signals between brain cells. The most commonly used form is methylphenidate tablets. It can be prescribed in immediate-release or modified-release tablets and taken twice or three times a day. The doctor will advise you the duration of the medication. However, the majority of patients are prescribed as long as they feel it is efficient.
During the exam, your specialist might also solicit input from those who know you very well like your colleagues or friends. This will enable them to collect information that might not have been discussed during your consultation. They will also assess whether you have any comorbid conditions that typically occur with ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
If your specialist diagnoses ADHD the doctor will write a note that they will send to you GP. They might also suggest a referral to another specialist for ongoing treatment and support.
BBC reports that the NHS has struggled to meet the demand for ADHD assessment in recent years. adhd diagnosis assessment is partly due to the fact that a lot of people aren't aware that their symptoms are linked to ADHD which could cause them to be diagnosed with a different disorder like depression or anxiety.
A new taskforce has been established to try to reduce waiting times and ensure that patients get the assistance they require. The taskforce will bring expertise across different sectors and offer integrated solutions. However, targeted investment is required to increase the number of people with ADHD and give the resources that are required to meet demand.
Support
Currently, getting an assessment for ADHD within the NHS in the UK can be a lengthy wait. In fact, one system program director informed the BBC that the requests for adult ADHD assessments has increased by 700% over the past year, and certain areas had wait lists of over two years. The NHS has been working to address this issue, and recently created a taskforce that has the goal of enhancing access to specialist assistance for people suffering from ADHD.
This should help to reduce the length of waiting for assessments, and will allow clinicians to ensure that patients are referred to in the most appropriate manner. For example, someone who has a family history of ADHD should be referred to their GP to a specialist opinion, 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 assessments for people who are thinking about seeking medical treatment, or who have been diagnosed with the condition. Most often, these assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing adult ADHD. The assessment can be between 45 and 90 mins and is usually done over the phone or via video calls.
During the examination the doctor will talk to you about your past experiences with ADHD symptoms and your past experiences of them. They will then ask about your mental health, as well as any other mental health issues you've been affected by, or that your family members have suffered from. It is crucial to talk about all of these things during the examination, as it can help the therapist determine whether you may be suffering from ADHD.
The doctor will determine the treatment plan following the assessment. This usually includes psychotherapy and medication. Other support services, like workshops and peer-support groups might also be included.
People who wish to speed up the process of getting an assessment can choose to go to private healthcare providers rather than waiting for the NHS. You can self-refer or in certain instances, seek your GP's consent. Private healthcare providers provide more direct access route to specialist mental health care and appointments are often much quicker than NHS ones.