ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally a fairly comprehensive process. A psychiatrist will evaluate whether your symptoms cause significant impairment, and also rule out other medical conditions such as depression or thyroid problems. They can also request old school reports as well as other evidence.
It is essential that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD specialist. This applies to GP's and consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting several times
Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting years to see psychiatrists for years. The condition is acknowledged as a serious mental disorder with a significant impact on people's daily lives. The situation is worse in some regions, with waiting times as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is made worse by the growing awareness of this condition and the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling with the demand and many patients decide to seek treatment from private providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private health providers.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in various parts of the country. It has seen an explosion in the number of people seeking an assessment, which exceeds its capacity at present. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in dealing with adults, and are better able to comprehend the nuances of ADHD. They are more likely to have experience managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiousness that can be a result of ADHD.
However, many people are still worried about the assessment of private patients and their potential to over-diagnose the disease. The issue came to the attention of the public when a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the ways in which private clinics were giving diagnoses without proper procedure. Some have even claimed that the program is promoting stereotypes and stigmatizing people with ADHD.
The BBC deserves to be praised, however, for exposing this problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some people who need this assistance are being required to seek it privately, and the NHS should come up with ways to address the issue. In the meantime, if you might have ADHD, you can try an assessment for free with a charity or request an assessment from a private psychiatrist. These are typically less expensive than the NHS however they don't include prescriptions.
Second opinion
If you are struggling with symptoms of ADHD It is essential to be diagnosed. A clear diagnosis will allow you to take steps to manage your symptoms, including medication. You could be referred to a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. There are numerous private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration treatments. These clinics have lots of experience working with a broad spectrum of adults, including women and men who may suffer from ADHD. They also test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however, waiting times for NHS services are much longer. Typically, you will pay for a first assessment and then have follow-up appointments if needed. These appointments will be covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are trained and have a special interest ADHD. Initial appointments usually involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You could also be required to complete questionnaires and referred for additional tests, like an MRI.
A private clinic will charge you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both the assessment time as well as the titration fee. Some private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and this can be less expensive. The process of titration can take longer and requires additional appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has been questioned after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient had spent three years waiting for an NHS website assessment before turning to an unofficial clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a variety of instances in which patients received an assessment of ADHD but were later withdrawn. This is a problem because it can be extremely depressing for people to be incorrectly diagnosed, and a few of them have been prescribed medications that have negative side effects.
In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment and the titration. Most health insurance plans will cover these tests, but it's worthwhile to inquire with your insurance company to determine if the policy you have covers them.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP refers to a specialist clinic the clinician will ask you questions and perform an evaluation of your clinical condition. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. They will also check for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that might be present. These are often anxiety and depression. The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment and medications if needed.
During an assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at work and home. They will also ask you about any medications you are taking. The interview will be organized and you may bring an adult or a relative to help you with the information. It usually takes a few visits for the assessment to determine an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics offer an extensive evaluation, whereas others will only look at specific symptoms.
The ineffectiveness of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny in the wake of an Panorama investigation. The undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his doctor insisted that he was not suffering from the condition. The BBC said that the report was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private companies, but doctors can only refer patients for further investigations or prescribe medication according to strict guidelines.
Many GPs refuse to sign an agreement to share treatment with the NHS. This is the only way for them to transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnoses. They believe that they're not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. A lot of private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications for their patients, which may make it difficult for patients to get the treatment they require.
Ask your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation in the event that they haven't yet. You can find out the estimated wait time by calling your local mental health service or by visiting the Right To Choose site. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service, which will be provided by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Achieving an ADHD diagnosis can be life changing. It aids people in understanding their own behavior and that of their family and friends. It can also help them find the right treatment plan. It's not always easy to determine a diagnosis. Particularly in the UK, where people have to wait for a long time for an assessment from the NHS. This can be frustrating for those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, it's possible to request an assessment in private by a qualified specialist psychiatrist. It will help you save time and avoid a visit to your GP. This is a lengthy procedure that can take several months. However, it will give you an accurate diagnosis than those provided by the NHS. It is essential to make sure that the person running your test is a psychologist or psychiatrist since they are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to determine ADHD in the UK.
A private evaluation could involve an interview with a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your mental health, your childhood history and other factors. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your current struggles at work, in school, or in relationships. They will also talk about 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 forward to your GP with your permission. If necessary, they'll prescribe medication. They will also help you access other forms of support, including mentoring and study skills support. 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 overwhelmed and underfunded. As a result, there are those who attempt to cut costs by using online assessments and private clinics that offer quick appointments but with no expertise in clinical practice. These shortcuts are to be avoided. However, people with ADHD should still seek out a diagnosis if they can afford it.