ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extremely thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and rule out other medical conditions such as thyroid issues or depression. They may also ask for old school reports or other evidence to back up their claims.
It is vital that the person assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is the case for GP's as well as consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting several times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are waiting for years for an appointment with psychiatrists. This is despite the fact that the condition is recognised as a serious mental health issue and has profound impact on the lives of people. The situation is even worse in some regions, with waiting times as high as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is exacerbated by a growing awareness of the condition, as well as a rise in demand for treatments. NHS services are struggling to keep pace with the demand, and a large number of patients are opting to seek treatment from private clinics. This has been facilitated by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to opt for private health care 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. It has seen a surge in the number of people seeking an assessment, which is currently outpacing its capacity. Private psychiatrists are more adept in dealing with adults and are better able to understand 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 concerned about the accuracy of private assessments, and the potential for them to overdiagnose the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics made diagnoses without following due process. Some have accused the programme of stoking stigma and stereotyping against people with ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing this problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some people have to seek help privately. The NHS should find a way to remedy this situation. If you suspect you might have ADHD Try a no-cost screening through a charity or pay for a private psychiatrist to evaluate you. These are typically cheaper than the NHS but they do not give a prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is important to seek a diagnosis when you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and prescribe medications. You could be referred to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. There are numerous private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration services. These clinics are typically experienced with the wide range of adults who may have ADHD, including both genders. They are also able to test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are costly, but the waiting time for NHS services are much longer. Typically, you will pay for a first assessment and then be able to schedule subsequent appointments as required. These appointments are covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by trained nurses who have a special interest in ADHD and are certified to assess it. Initial appointments typically include clinical interviews and rating systems. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires, and then referred for further tests, for example, an MRI.
It is possible to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 in a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time and titration costs. Some private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and this may be cheaper. However the process of titration is 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 spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before deciding to go to a private clinic in desperation. The BBC investigation exposed a number of instances where patients were given the diagnosis of ADHD and then taken off. This is a problem since it can be extremely depressing for people to have their symptoms wrongly identified, and some patients have been given medication that causes negative side effects.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 that includes the initial assessment as well as 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 covers them.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP refers to an expert clinic, the physician will ask questions and perform an evaluation of your clinical condition. They will determine whether your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosing the condition. They will also look for co-morbidities, or any other mental health issues. Often, these will be depression and anxiety. The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication, if necessary.
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 formal interview. You should bring an experienced family member or friend along to provide any additional information. It typically requires a few sessions for the evaluation to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics offer a complete examination, while others only look for specific symptoms.
The poor quality of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny in the wake of a Panorama investigation. 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 said that the report was an example of "over-diagnosing" by private firms, however GPs are only able to refer patients to further investigations or prescribe medication under more info strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign an agreement for shared care with the NHS and is the only way they can transfer their patient's care to the service following an individual diagnosis. They believe they aren't experts on ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications 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 in the event that they haven't yet. You can determine the estimated wait time by calling your local mental health services or by using the Right To Choose site. The site lets you choose an online ADHD assessment service that will be offered by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Having an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever. It can help people understand themselves as well as their family and friends. Additionally, it can help them find a good treatment strategy. It is not always simple to get an accurate diagnosis. Especially in the UK, where people have to wait for a long time for an assessment from the NHS. This can be a major issue for those seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can refer yourself to a specialist psychiatrist for a private evaluation. This will help you save time and the hassle of visiting 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. It is important to ensure that the person running your test is a psychiatrist or psychologist, as these are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to diagnose ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment will likely consist of a medical interview with a psychiatrist, including questions regarding your mental health and your childhood history. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your struggles at school, at work, or in relationships. They will also address any other symptoms you experience that might indicate the presence of ADHD.
The result will be a comprehensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will send to your GP with your permission. They may also prescribe medication if needed. They can also help you in obtaining other types of help, like tutoring and study skills. They can also assist you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at university.
While it is not ideal to cut corners but the reality is that NHS services are overloaded and underfunded. This means that there are people who try to reduce costs by using online assessments and private clinics that provide quick appointments, but offer no clinical expertise. These methods are not recommended, but there is no reason why those suffering from ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment when they can afford it.