ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually a fairly comprehensive process. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment, and will rule out other conditions like thyroid or depression. They may also request old school reports or other evidence.
It is vital that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD specialist. This is the case for GP's as well as consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting several times
Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting years to visit a psychiatrist. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder that has an enormous impact on the daily lives of people. The situation is worse in some areas, with waiting periods up to four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is amplified by the increasing awareness of the condition, as well as an increase in demand for treatments. NHS services are struggling to keep pace with the demand, and a lot of patients are opting to seek treatment through private providers. This is made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to opt for private health care from any provider.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in parts of the country. The number of adults seeking an assessment has exploded and is currently over the capacity of the service. Those who choose to go the private route are generally much better off, as private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and will be more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are also more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression, which can often be associated with ADHD.
Many people are concerned about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to overdiagnose a disease. The issue came to the public's attention after a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the ways in which private clinics were awarding diagnoses without due process. Some have accused the program of perpetuating stereotypes and stigmas of people with ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing this issue and highlighting those who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some have to seek help privately. The NHS should come up with a solution to remedy this situation. In the meantime, if you may have ADHD You can try an assessment for free with a charity or take advantage of an assessment by private psychiatrists. They are usually less expensive than the NHS however they will not give prescriptions for medication.
Second opinion
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is essential to be diagnosed. A correct diagnosis will help you manage your symptoms and take medication. You may also be referred to a psychiatrist for additional therapy. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and the ability to adjust. These clinics have lots of experience with a wide spectrum of adults, including men and women, who might suffer from ADHD. They are also able to look for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however, waiting time for NHS services are more lengthy. Typically, you pay for the initial assessment, and then follow-up appointments as needed. If you are insured that covers you, it is likely to cover these appointments. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who have been trained and have a special interest ADHD. Initial appointments typically include clinical interviews as well as rating systems. You will also be required to complete questionnaires and you could be referred to further tests like an MRI or EEG.
You can expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both the assessment time and the titration fee. Some private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and this may be cheaper. However, the process of titration takes longer and requires a number of appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has come under scrutiny after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient had spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before turning to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation revealed a number of cases where patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD which was later cancelled. This is a serious problem because it can be extremely distressing for patients to have their symptoms misdiagnosed and prescribed medication with adverse negative side effects.
In Scotland the cost for an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the titration. The majority of health insurance companies will cover these tests but it's worthwhile to inquire with your insurance company to determine if the policy you have does.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP refers to a specialist clinic the clinician will ask you questions and here perform an evaluation of your clinical condition. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. They will also check for co-morbidities, or other mental health issues. Most often, these are anxiety and depression. The doctor will discuss with you the treatment options and medications if needed.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at home and at work. They will also inquire about any medications you are taking. The interview will be planned and you can bring an adult or a relative to help you through the process. The test will typically require a few sessions to establish a diagnosis. Some clinics offer a comprehensive assessment, while others only test for specific symptoms.
Poor provision of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny in the wake of an Panorama investigation. The undercover reporter on the show was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, while his doctor said that he didn't suffer from ADHD. The BBC claimed that the report was a case of "over-diagnosis" by private firms. However doctors are only permitted to refer patients for further investigation or prescribe medication in accordance with strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign an agreement for shared care with the NHS, which is the only way that they can refer their patient's treatment to the service following the patient has received a private diagnosis. They believe they aren't experts on ADHD or psychiatry. The GP should also be aware that many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication, which may make it difficult for patients to receive the care they require.
Ask your GP to refer you for an ADHD assessment if they haven't already. You can find out the estimated wait time by calling your local mental health clinic, or by using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service that is provided by 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 identify the right treatment strategy. It is not always simple to get an assessment. Especially in the UK where patients have to wait for a long time for an assessment by the NHS. This can be frustrating for many people who are seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, it is possible to self-refer for an appointment by a qualified specialist psychiatrist. You will save time and avoid a trip to your GP. This is not a quick process and can take months however, it will provide you with an accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. It is important to ensure that the person performing your assessment is a psychiatrist or psychologist since they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are certified to assess ADHD.
A private assessment may include an interview with psychiatrists. The doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, your childhood history and other factors. The doctor will employ rating scales to inquire about your current struggles at school, at work or in relationships. The doctor will also talk about other signs that might be indicative of ADHD.
This will result in a comprehensive ADHD assessment report, which the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your consent. They will also offer medication if appropriate. They can also assist you to get other types of support, including mentorship and support for studying skills. They will also assist with applying for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at university.
While it's not ideal to cut corners however, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. In the end, there are those who attempt to cut the line by using online assessments and private clinics that offer short appointments with little or no clinical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided, however there's no reason to think that people suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.