ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extensive procedure. A psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment, and also rule out other medical conditions like thyroid or depression. They can also request old school reports and other evidence to support your claim.
It is essential that the person carrying out your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This applies to GP's and consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting times
In the UK adults who require an ADHD diagnosis are waiting for years to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. The condition is acknowledged as a serious mental disorder that has a significant impact on the lives of people. The situation is worse in some regions, with waiting times as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to help improve the situation.
The problem is exacerbated by the increasing awareness of this condition as well as the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a lot of patients are opting to seek treatment through private clinics. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private healthcare providers.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in various parts of the country. The number of adults requesting an assessment has exploded and is currently surpassing its capacity. If you choose to go the private route are generally much better served, as private psychiatrists are used to dealing with adults and will be more familiar with the nuances of the condition. They are also more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression, which can often be present in ADHD.
However, many people are still concerned about the assessment of private patients and the potential for them to over-diagnose the condition. The issue was brought to the public's attention after a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the method by which some private clinics were giving diagnoses without due process. Some have accused the programme of stoking stigma and stereotyping against people who suffer from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended however, for exposing this problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some people who need this help are being required to seek it privately, and the NHS should come up with ways to address the situation. If you think you might have ADHD, try a free screening through a charity or pay a private psychiatrist to evaluate you. They are generally less expensive than the NHS but do not include a prescription.
Second opinion
If you are struggling with symptoms of ADHD It is essential to be diagnosed. A correct diagnosis will enable you to make the appropriate steps to manage your symptoms, including medication. You may be referred to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. Many private clinics provide diagnosis and the ability to adjust. These clinics have a lot of experience dealing with a diverse spectrum of adults, including women and men, who may suffer from ADHD. They can also test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however the waiting times for NHS services are much longer. Typically, you will pay for a first assessment and then be able to schedule follow-up appointments if needed. These appointments will be covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by trained nurses who have a particular interest in ADHD and are certified to assess the condition. The initial appointment will typically consist of clinical interviews and grading scales. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires and you could be referred for further tests like an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time as well as titration costs. Certain private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and it can be cheaper. The process of titration takes longer and requires additional appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has come under scrutiny after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient sat for three years waiting for an NHS assessment before deciding to go to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation exposed a number of instances where patients were given an assessment of ADHD, which was later taken off. This is a serious issue, as it can be very distressing for patients to be misdiagnosed and prescribed medication with adverse consequences.
In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment and the titration. The majority of health insurance companies offer these tests, but it's worthwhile to inquire with your insurance company to determine if your policy 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 diagnosis of the condition. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that might be present. Most of the time, these are anxiety and depression. The doctor will then discuss the treatment options with you, including medication if appropriate.
During the assessment you will be asked questions about your family background as well as current problems at home and work. They will also inquire about any medications you are taking. They will then conduct a structured interview, and you must bring an adult friend or relative with you to provide any additional information. It typically takes a few sessions to arrive at the diagnosis. Some clinics offer an entire evaluation, while others will only test specific symptoms.
The poor quality of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny after an Panorama investigation. Undercover reporter for the programme was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, while his doctor said he didn't have it. The BBC said that the report was an example of "over-diagnosing" by private firms, however doctors can only refer patients for further investigations or prescribe medication under strict guidelines.
Many GPs are unwilling to sign an agreement for shared treatment with the NHS. This is the only way they can transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnoses. This is because they feel that they're not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication to their patients, which could make it difficult for patients to get the treatment they need.
Ask your GP to refer you for an ADHD assessment if they haven't already. You can determine your estimated waiting time 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 the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It helps people better understand 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 obtain an assessment. In the UK, people have to wait for a long period of time for an NHS assessment. This can be a major issue for many who are looking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you can't wait, you can refer yourself to a specialist psychiatrist for a private evaluation. It will help you be able to save time and avoid a trip to your GP. It is a long process that can take several months. However it will provide you with more precise diagnoses than those provided by the NHS. You should make sure that the person who is conducting your test is either psychiatrist or psychologist, as they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to determine ADHD.
A private assessment is likely to consist of a medical interview with a psychiatrist, which will include questions about your mental health and your childhood history. The doctor will also utilize ratings scales and inquire about your current struggles with school, at work, and in relationships. The doctor will also discuss other signs that might be indicative of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then send a comprehensive ADHD report to your GP with your permission. If appropriate, they will prescribe medication. They can also assist you to find other ways of support, including tutoring and support for your study skills. They can also assist you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at university.
While it's not ideal to take short cuts, the reality is that NHS services are overloaded and underfunded. As a result, there are people who try to cut costs by using online assessments and private clinics that provide quick appointments but with no expertise in clinical practice. These shortcuts should be avoided, but there's no reason why those suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment if they are able get more info to afford it.