ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD evaluation is typically an extremely thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other conditions, such as thyroid issues or depression. They might also request older school reports or other supporting evidence.
It is vital that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is the case for psychiatrists and GPs alike.
Waiting at various times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting for years to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. The condition is recognized as a serious mental disorder with an enormous impact on the daily lives of people. The situation is worse in some areas, with waiting periods as high as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The problem is exacerbated by the growing awareness of this condition and the growing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a large number of patients are opting to seek treatment from private healthcare providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to select private healthcare providers.
private adult adhd diagnosis of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. It has seen a surge in the number of adults seeking an assessment, which is currently outpacing its capacity. People who opt to take the private route are typically more successful, since private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and will be more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression that can be a result of ADHD.
However, many people are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to over-diagnose the disease. The issue came to the attention of the public when a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the ways in which private clinics were awarding diagnoses without proper process. Some have claimed that the program is perpetuating stereotypes and stigmas of those with ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some have to seek help privately. The NHS should find a way to fix this problem. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, try a free test with an organization or charity, or pay for a private psychiatrist to evaluate you. They're typically less expensive than the NHS however they will not issue prescriptions for medication.
Second opinion
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important to get a diagnosis. A proper diagnosis will aid in managing your symptoms and take medication. You could be referred to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. Private clinics often offer diagnosis and titration. These clinics have lots of experience with a wide range adults, including women and men, who may suffer from ADHD. They are also able to look for co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments are costly, but the wait times for NHS services are much longer. The typical cost is the initial assessment, and then arrange subsequent appointments if required. These appointments are covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are certified and have a specific interest in ADHD. Initial appointments usually include clinical interviews as well as rating systems. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires, and you could be referred to additional tests, such as an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both the assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Certain private ADHD assessments offer titration separate from diagnosis and 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 had spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before turning to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation exposed a variety of cases where patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is a problem because it can be extremely depressing for people to be incorrectly diagnosed, and some of them have been prescribed medications that have negative side effects.
In Scotland the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the titration. Most health insurance plans offer these tests however it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if your policy does.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP suggests a specialist clinic the clinician will ask questions and conduct an assessment of your clinical needs. They will assess whether your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosing the condition. They will also assess for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that may be present. Most often, these are depression and anxiety. The doctor will discuss with you the treatment options that are available, including medication if required.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will inquire you about your family history as well as current issues at work and home. They will also inquire about any medications that you are taking. They will then conduct a structured interview. You should bring an experienced family member or friend along to provide additional information. It usually takes a few sessions for the evaluation to determine a diagnosis. Some clinics will provide an extensive evaluation, whereas others will only look at specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the poor service offered to patients with ADHD in the NHS has brought it to the fore. The programme's undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics, but his GP claimed that he didn't have the condition. The BBC claimed that the report was a case of "over-diagnosis" by private firms. However doctors are only able to refer patients to further examination or prescribe medications when they adhere to strict guidelines.
Many GPs will refuse to sign an agreement for shared care with the NHS as it is the only way they can transfer their patient's care to the service after a private diagnosis. This is because they feel that they're not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. The GP should also be aware that many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication, which may make it difficult for their patients to get the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you for an ADHD assessment in the event that they haven't yet. 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 allows you to choose an online ADHD assessment service, which will be offered by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It aids people in understanding themselves and also their family and friends. It also helps them identify the right treatment plan. However, getting an assessment isn't always easy. Especially in the UK where people are waiting for long periods for an assessment from the NHS. This can cause anxiety for many people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, you can self-refer to an expert psychiatrist for a private assessment. This will save you time and a trip to your GP. This isn't a fast process and can take a long time however, it will give you more precise diagnosis than the NHS one. It is important to make sure that the person conducting the test is a psychiatrist or psychologist because they are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to diagnose ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment is likely to include a clinical interview with a psychiatrist, including questions regarding your mental health and childhood experiences. The doctor will also use rating scales and ask questions about your current struggles at school, work, and relationships. The doctor will also talk about other signs that might be indicative of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then provide a thorough ADHD report to your GP, with your permission. They will also offer medications if they are needed. They will also help you access other forms of support, including mentorship and support for studying skills. If you're an undergraduate student, they can also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance.
It's not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. Some people attempt to cut corners by using online assessments or private clinics with fast appointments but with little or no expert clinical knowledge. These shortcuts should be avoided, but there's no reason to think that people with ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment when they can afford it.