ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD assessment is usually a pretty thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other conditions like thyroid or depression. They might also request older school reports or other evidence to back up their claims.
It is vital that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD specialist. This applies to GP's and consultant psychiatrists alike.
Waiting several times
In the UK adults who require an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting for years to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. This is despite the fact that the condition is recognised as a serious mental health disorder and that it has major impacts on people's lives. In some regions waiting times can last as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The issue is made worse by the increasing awareness of the condition and the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet demand, and many patients opt to seek treatment from private clinics. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to select private healthcare providers.
Psychiatry UK is one such service, which provides an online ADHD assessment and medication for the NHS. The service has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking an assessment, and 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 are often associated with ADHD.
Many people are still concerned about the quality of private assessments and the possibility for them to overdiagnose a disease. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics have made diagnoses without following the proper process. Some have even accused the programme of stoking stigma and stereotypes against those with ADHD.
However the BBC deserves praise for exposing this problem and highlighting the dire situation of adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some are forced to seek assistance privately. The NHS should find a way to address this issue. If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD, try a free screening with an organization or charity, or pay for an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess your. adhd private assessment are typically less expensive than the NHS but they do not come with a prescription.
Second opinion
It is crucial to seek a diagnosis if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. An accurate diagnosis will allow you to make the appropriate steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You could also be referred to a psychiatrist for additional treatment. Private clinics often offer diagnosis and the ability to adjust. These clinics have a lot of experience with a wide spectrum of adults, including women and men, who might suffer from ADHD. They can also test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are costly however, wait time for NHS services are much longer. Typically, you'll pay for the initial assessment and then be able to schedule subsequent appointments as required. These appointments will be covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by trained nurses who have a particular interest in ADHD and are able to evaluate the condition. The initial appointment will typically consist of clinical interviews and grading scales. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires and you may be referred to further tests such as 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 as well as the titration fee. Some private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis, and may be less expensive. However the process of titration is longer and requires additional appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has been questioned after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient sat for three years waiting for an NHS assessment before turning to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation highlighted a number of cases where patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD which was later removed. This is a problem since it can be extremely depressing for patients to have their symptoms incorrectly diagnosed, and a few of them have been prescribed medications that have negative side effects.
In Scotland the cost for an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and covers the initial assessment and the titration. The majority of health insurance companies will cover these tests however it is important to check with your insurance provider to determine if the policy you have does.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP suggests a specialist clinic the clinician will ask you questions and perform an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they meet the criteria for diagnosing. They will also check for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that may be present. These include depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication if needed.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at home and work. They will also inquire about any medications that you're taking. They will then conduct a formal interview. You should bring an adult person or relative along to provide any additional information. The assessment will usually require a few sessions to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics provide a full assessment, while others only test for specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the poor treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought it to light. The undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, while his GP claimed that he did not have it. The BBC claimed that the report was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However doctors are only able to refer patients for further investigation or prescribe medication in accordance with strict guidelines.
Many GPs will refuse to sign a shared care agreement with the NHS as it is the only way that they can transfer the patient's care to the hospital following the patient has received a private diagnosis. They believe they aren't experts in ADHD or psychiatry. GPs should also note that many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication, which could make it difficult for patients to receive the treatment they require.
If your GP hasn't recommended you for an ADHD assessment, ask them to do so. You can determine the estimated waiting time by contacting your local mental health clinic or using the Right To Choose website. The site allows you to choose an online ADHD assessment service, which will be offered by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Having an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever. It not only helps people understand themselves better as well as help them and their family and friends better assist them. It also assists them to find the right treatment strategy. It is not always simple to obtain an assessment. In the UK people must wait a long time for an NHS assessment. This can cause anxiety for many who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can refer yourself to an expert psychiatrist for a private evaluation. This will save you time and also a visit to your GP. It is not an easy process and can take a long time however, it will provide you with a more accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. You must ensure that the person performing your test is either psychiatrist or psychologist, because they are the sole healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to determine ADHD.
A private assessment could include an interview with a psychiatrist. There will be questions regarding your mental health, childhood history and other factors. The doctor will also use rating scales and ask about your current struggles at school, at work, and in relationships. They will also talk about any other signs you may have that could indicate the presence of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then provide a thorough ADHD report to your GP with your permission. They may also prescribe medication if appropriate. They will also assist you in obtaining other forms of help, like tutoring and study skills. They will also help you in applying for Disabled Student Allowance if are a university student.
While it is not ideal to take short cuts however, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners by using online assessments or private clinics that offer fast appointments but with lack of expert clinical knowledge. These shortcuts are not recommended, but there's no reason to think that those suffering from ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.