ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extremely thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other conditions such as thyroid or depression. They can also request old school reports and other evidence to support your claim.
It is crucial that the person assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is true for psychiatrists as well as GPs.
Waiting times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are waiting for years to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. This is despite the fact that ADHD is recognized as a serious mental health disorder and that it has major effects on people's lives. In some regions waiting times can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is being worsened by the growing awareness of the condition, as well as an increase in demand for treatments. 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 choose private healthcare providers.
Psychiatry UK is one such service, which provides an online ADHD assessment and medications for the NHS. The number of adults requesting an assessment has exploded and is currently over the capacity of the service. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in dealing with adults, and are better equipped to recognize the subtleties of ADHD. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression which are often present in ADHD.
However, many people are concerned about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to over-diagnose the condition. The issue was brought to the public's attention when a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the method by which some private clinics were granting diagnoses without proper procedure. Some have accused the program of spreading stigma and stereotyping about people with ADHD.
The BBC deserves to be praised, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some of those who need this help are being forced to seek it out privately, and the NHS should come up with ways to address the issue. In the meantime, if you think you may have ADHD You can try an assessment for free with a charity, or request an assessment from private psychiatrists. They are usually less expensive than the NHS however they will not give a prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek out a diagnosis if you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. An accurate diagnosis will allow you to make the appropriate steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You may be referred to a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. There are a variety of private clinics offering diagnosis and titration treatments. These clinics are typically adept with the various types of adults who may have ADHD which includes men and women. They are also able to look for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they are typically much quicker than NHS waiting times. Typically, you will pay for the initial assessment and then be able to schedule follow-up appointments as needed. If you have insurance and coverage, it will cover these appointments. These appointments will be conducted by specially trained nurses who have a particular interest in ADHD and are qualified to assess it. The initial appointment will usually involve clinical interviews and rating scales. You could also be asked to complete questionnaires, and then referred for further tests, like an MRI.
You can expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private facility for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time as well as titration costs. Certain private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and it can be cheaper. However the process of titration is longer and requires additional appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited for three years for an NHS assessment, before turning to a clinic in desperation. The BBC investigation revealed a number of instances where patients were diagnosed of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is a serious problem, as it can be extremely distressing for patients to have their symptoms misdiagnosed and prescribed medication with adverse side effects.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the adjustment. The majority of health insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it's important to check whether you are covered.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP recommends a specialist clinic the clinician will ask you questions and perform a clinical evaluation. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they are in line with the criteria for diagnosing. They will also assess for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that might be present. Most often, these are anxiety and depression. The doctor will discuss with you the options for treatment, including medication if necessary.
During the assessment, you will be asked about your family history and current problems at home and work. They will also ask about any medications you are taking. The interview will be organized and you may bring your family member or friend to help you with the information. It usually requires a few sessions to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics offer a complete assessment, and others will only test for specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - but his GP claimed that he did not have the condition. The BBC claimed that the report was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private firms. However, GPs are only allowed to refer patients to further examination or prescribe medication if they follow strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign a contract for shared care with the NHS. This is the only way they can transfer the patient's care to the NHS after a private diagnosis. This is because they feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications for their patients, which may make it difficult private assessment for adhd near me for patients to receive the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you to an ADHD evaluation if they haven't already. You should be able to determine the estimated wait time by calling your local mental health service or by visiting the Right To Choose website. The site lets you choose an online ADHD assessment service, which will be offered by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. Not only does it help people understand themselves better, but it also helps them and their friends and family better assist them. It also assists them to identify the right treatment strategy. However, getting a diagnosis is not always straightforward. In the UK people must wait a long time for an NHS assessment. This can be a major issue for many who are looking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, it's possible to self-refer for an assessment in private with a specialist psychiatrist who is experienced. You will be able to save time and avoid a trip to your GP. It is a long process that could take months. However it will provide you with more precise diagnoses than those provided by the NHS. It is important to make sure that the person running your test is a psychologist or psychiatrist since they are the only healthcare professionals qualified to assess ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment could include an interview with a psychiatrist. Questions will be asked regarding your mental health, your childhood history and other factors. The doctor will employ rating scales to inquire about your struggles at school, at work or in relationships. The doctor will also address other symptoms that could be indicative of ADHD.
This will produce a comprehensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your permission. If appropriate, they will prescribe medication. They will also assist you in obtaining other forms of help, like study skills and mentoring. If you are a student, they will assist you with applying for Disabled Students Allowance.
It is not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overwhelmed and underfunded. In the end, there are people who try to cut costs by using online assessments or private clinics that offer short appointments, but offer any clinical expertise. These shortcuts are not recommended, but there is no reason why people suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment if they are able to afford it.