A thorough ADHD assessment is generally a fairly comprehensive procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other illnesses, such as thyroid or depression. They might also request older school reports or other evidence.
It is important that the person who is conducting your assessment is an expert in ADHD. This is the case for GP's as well as consultants as well.
Waiting at various times
Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnoses are left waiting years to see a psychiatrist. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder with a significant impact on the lives of people. The situation is worse in some areas, with waiting times as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is made worse by the growing awareness of this condition as well as the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep pace with the demand, and a large number of patients are opting to seek treatment through private clinics. This has been facilitated by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select 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 in parts of the country. The number of adults who want an assessment has grown exponentially, and is currently exceeding the capacity of the service. Private psychiatrists are more adept in dealing with adults and are better equipped to comprehend the nuances of ADHD. They are also more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression which are often present with ADHD.
Many people are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to overdiagnose a disease. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics have made diagnoses without following due process. Some have accused the programme of stoking stereotypes and stigmatizing people who suffer from ADHD.
However the BBC should be praised for exposing the issue and highlighting the dire situation of adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some of those who need assistance are forced to seek it privately and the NHS must come up with ways to address the situation. If you think you might have ADHD, try a free screening with a charity or pay for an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess your. www.iampsychiatry.com are generally less expensive than the NHS however they don't include a prescription.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek a diagnosis when you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will help you manage your symptoms and take medications. You could be referred to a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. Many private clinics 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 screen for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they are typically much quicker than NHS waiting times. You typically pay for the initial assessment, and then arrange follow-up appointments if necessary. These appointments will be covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by specially trained nurses who have a special interest in ADHD and are able to evaluate it. Initial appointments typically involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You will also be required to complete questionnaires and you could be referred to further tests such as an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time and titration costs. Some private ADHD assessments offer titration separately from diagnosis, and this may be less expensive. The process of titration can take longer and requires appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that a patient waited three years for an NHS assessment, before turning to a clinic in desperation. The BBC investigation revealed a number instances where patients were given the diagnosis of ADHD but were later withdrawn. This is a problem because it can be extremely stressful for people to be incorrectly diagnosed, and some patients have been prescribed medications that have negative side effects.
In Scotland the cost for an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment and titration. Most health insurance plans 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 recommends you to a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask you questions and perform a clinical assessment. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD, and if they match the criteria for diagnosis. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that may be present. They are typically depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication, if necessary.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be asked about your family background and your 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 adult friend or relative with you to provide any additional information. It usually takes a few sessions to arrive at the diagnosis. Some clinics will offer an entire evaluation, while others will only look at specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the poor provision of ADHD services in the NHS has brought it to the fore. The programme's undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his doctor insisted that he didn't have the condition. The BBC argued that the report was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private firms, however doctors can only refer patients for further investigations or prescribe medication under strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign an agreement to share care with the NHS, which is the only way they can refer their patient's treatment to the service following a private diagnosis. They believe that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. A lot of private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications for their patients, which can make it difficult for them to receive the treatment they require.
If your GP hasn't yet referred you to an ADHD assessment and treatment, ask them to do so. You can determine the estimated wait time by contacting the local mental health services or using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you choose an online ADHD Assessment service that will be offered by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Achieving an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever. It can help people understand themselves as well as their family and friends. It also helps them identify the right treatment strategy. However, getting a diagnosis is not always straightforward. In the UK patients have to wait for a long time to receive an NHS assessment. This can be frustrating for many who are seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can self-refer to psychiatrists who specialize in private evaluation. This will save you time and a trip to your GP. It is a long process that could take months. However, it will give you an accurate diagnosis than the ones provided by the NHS. It is crucial to ensure that the person conducting your assessment is a psychologist or psychiatrist, as these are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to determine ADHD in the UK.
A private evaluation could involve an interview with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. There will be questions regarding your mental health, childhood history and other aspects. The doctor will also utilize rating scales and ask about your current struggles with school, work, and relationships. They will also discuss any other signs you may have that might indicate the presence of ADHD.
This will result in a comprehensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will provide to your GP with your permission. If necessary, they'll also prescribe medication. They can also assist you to get other types of support, including mentoring and study skills support. They will also help with applying for Disabled Student Allowance if you 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 by using online assessments or private clinics with short appointments and not having any medical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided, however there's no reason why those suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.
