ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extensive procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other conditions like thyroid or depression. They may also ask for old school records or other supporting evidence.
It is essential that the person performing your assessment is an expert in ADHD. This is true for psychiatrists as well as GPs.
Waiting times
In the UK adults who require an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting for years for an appointment with psychiatrists. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder with an impact on the daily lives of people. In certain areas waiting time can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is being amplified by the increasing awareness of the condition and a rise in demand for treatments. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a large number of patients are choosing to seek treatment through private providers. This has been facilitated by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose for private healthcare from any provider.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. The number of adults who want an assessment has increased dramatically and is currently over the capacity of the service. People who opt to take the private route are usually much better served, 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 have experience in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression which are often associated in ADHD.
Many people are still concerned about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to overdiagnose the illness. The issue came to the attention of the public when an BBC Panorama investigation exposed the way in which some private clinics were awarding diagnoses without proper process. Some have claimed that the program is promoting stereotypes and stigmatizing people with ADHD.
However the BBC should be commended for exposing the issue and highlighting the plight of adults who need an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some of those who need assistance are forced to seek it out privately, and the NHS should come up with ways to deal with the issue. If you think you may have ADHD Try a no-cost test with a charity or pay a private psychiatrist to evaluate you. These are typically cheaper than the NHS but they do not give the prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek out a diagnosis if you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A proper diagnosis will assist you in managing your symptoms and also prescribe medications. You may be referred to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. There are numerous private clinics offering diagnosis and titration services. These clinics are generally experienced with the wide range of adults who may have ADHD which includes women and men. They can also test for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however the waiting time for NHS services are significantly longer. The typical cost is the initial assessment, and then schedule follow-up appointments if necessary. These appointments are covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by trained nurses who have a special interest in ADHD and are able to assess it. The initial appointment will normally involve clinical interviews and rating scales. You may be required to complete questionnaires and referred for additional tests, for example, an MRI.
A private clinic will charge you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both the assessment time and titration fees. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and this may be cheaper. The process of titration takes longer and requires appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments is under scrutiny following the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient sat for three years waiting for an NHS assessment before turning to an unofficial clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation exposed a number of instances in which patients received an assessment of ADHD and then withdrawn. This is a serious issue since it can be very distressing for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse 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 policies cover these tests. However, it's worth checking to see whether you're covered.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP recommends a specialist clinic the clinician will ask questions and perform a clinical evaluation. They will determine if your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that may be present. Most often, these are depression and anxiety. The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options and medications if needed.
During an assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history and current issues at home and work. They will also ask you about any medications that you are taking. They will then conduct a structured interview. You should bring an experienced person or relative along to provide collateral information. It typically requires a few sessions for the evaluation to arrive at a diagnosis. Some clinics will provide an entire evaluation, while others will focus on specific symptoms.
Poor provision of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny after an Panorama investigation. The programme's undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - but his GP claimed that he was not suffering from the condition. The BBC claimed that the story was a case of "over-diagnosis" by private firms. However doctors are only able to refer patients to further examination or prescribe medications if they follow strict guidelines.
Many GPs will refuse to sign an agreement for shared care with the NHS and is the only way that they can refer their patient's treatment to the hospital following a private diagnosis. This is because they feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Private psychiatrists are not the only ones who do not prescribe medications for their patients, which could make it difficult for patients to get the treatment they need.
Ask your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation in the event that they haven't yet. You can determine your estimated waiting time either by calling the local mental health services or using the Right To Choose site. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service that will be provided by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever. It not only helps people understand themselves better, but it also helps them as well as their family and friends better assist them. In addition, it can aid them in determining a suitable treatment strategy. It's not always easy to determine a diagnosis. Especially in the UK where patients are waiting for long periods for an assessment by the NHS. This can be a major issue for many who are looking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, you can refer yourself to a specialist psychiatrist for a private evaluation. It will help you reduce time and avoid a visit to your GP. It is not an easy procedure and could take months but it will provide you with an accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. It is important to ensure that the person conducting your assessment is either a psychiatrist or psychologist as they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are certified to determine ADHD.
A private evaluation could involve a clinical interview conducted by psychiatrist. Questions will be asked about your mental health, your childhood history and other factors. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your struggles at work, at school, or in relationships. The doctor will also address other signs that may indicate ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then send a comprehensive ADHD report to your GP with your consent. They will also offer medication if appropriate. They can also assist you in obtaining other forms of assistance, such as studying skills and mentoring. They will also help with applying for Disabled Student read more Allowance if are a student at a university.
It's not a good idea to cut corners however, the NHS is overwhelmed and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners using online assessments or private clinics with short appointments and little or no expert clinical knowledge. These shortcuts should be avoided, however there's no reason why those suffering from ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.