adhd assessment uk iampsychiatry.uk of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will provide your medical and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. The NHS is well-known for its long waiting times.
You can also obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded by the 'Right to choose route in England. However the services you choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with a senior psychiatrist to understand your thoughts presentation, experiences and experience. You will also be asked questions about your family history and any mental health issues you may have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will collect information from a variety of sources, including symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales and talking to you, your family or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in various situations.
Depending on the healthcare professional's opinion, it may be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms may be better explained by other medical or psychiatric disorders that coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for instance, can present with symptoms similar to ADHD and have the same effect on relationships and work. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is essential to eliminate any other conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to use the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to explain the reason you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and recommend you to an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you're unable to wait, you may opt for the private route instead, which is more expensive but offers shorter wait times.
During your appointment, you will be asked a few questions and administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can record examples of how you experience them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps should be and whether you would like to consider pursuing medication options.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. It is also more costly. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can range from PS240-PS2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK adults and children can receive ADHD assessments through the NHS with the help of their GP. However, a BBC investigation has revealed long waits to see an expert. For instance, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Suicidal impulses are among her symptoms, and could indicate that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that patients should be seen by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the individual with questionnaires and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as calendars, diaries, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These strategies are not always efficient. They can cause more stress and confusion especially for those who are already suffering from mental health conditions. The examination will consist of a physical exam and a review medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS which allows you to select where you are assessed. Anyone who has an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request to be referred to a private service partnered with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, as long as they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD evaluation is usually carried out by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse and follows the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this may include examination of any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and family history with the doctor. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process, the expert will note the way your behavior affects others in your life, including your children or spouse.
The specialist will take all of information into consideration to determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and recommend the best treatment options.
If the psychiatrist recommends a medicine you will be given a prescription to take to any pharmacy you like. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative procedure but do not cover the cost of the medications that you need to pay separately. If you need a medication titration, additional appointments may be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who needs to know about it, such your employer or school. Our experts can also provide recommendation letters for educational accommodations, such as extra time in exams or reduced deadlines.
Some people may be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, especially when their GP doesn't believe they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and advice on how you can get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
There are a number of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine, and the well-known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. It is typical to suggest that patients begin with a small dose of medication, which is gradually increased over a series of visits until the patient reaches a stable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss side effects, and to monitor progress.
Medicines can ease the many symptoms caused by ADHD and ease the burden they place on individuals, families and workplaces. They function by increasing neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate. However, the correct medication is a matter of individual preference and determining it may take time. When someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's crucial to stick to the treatment program. Continuing to miss appointments or discontinuing their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as efficiently.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they may refer you to an expert who will go over your medication options with you and, if needed, prescribe. This will require further titration sessions to determine the right dose and regular reviews to make sure that your medication is working. The NHS typically does not cover prescriptions, so you will have to pay a premium at the pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools, if needed. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to give advice and assistance with medical or medication questions between appointments. However, the costs associated with the titration process and follow-up appointments are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet demands for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in many areas can be as long as 8 years.
The process of assessing you can be lengthy, but it's vital to get a complete diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your examination will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history as well as your symptoms and their impact on your life. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales that will help the specialist assess your condition.
Following the clinical interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also inform you about if and how ADHD might be a factor in any health issues or concerns that you may have.
There are many kinds of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in every individual. It is essential to tell your specialist the symptoms you are experiencing, so they can determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is so important and will give you the best chance of locating the best treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid waiting in line and wish to speed up their ADHD evaluation. Individuals can make a self-referral directly to an independent mental health practitioner which can give faster access to specialists who have experience in adult ADHD. The process typically starts with a meeting with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.