ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD assessment is usually an extremely thorough process. A psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms cause significant impairment and rule out other conditions, such as depression or thyroid problems. They may also ask for old school reports or other supporting evidence.
It is crucial that the person carrying out your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This is true for GP's and consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting at various times
Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting years to see a psychiatrist. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder that has a significant impact on the lives of people. The situation is more difficult in some areas, with waiting times as high as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The problem is being worsened by the growing awareness of the condition and an increase in the demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep pace with the demand, and many patients are opting to seek treatment from private providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to choose private healthcare providers.
Psychiatry UK is one such service that offers an online ADHD assessment and medication for the NHS. It has seen an explosion in the number of people seeking an assessment, and exceeds its capacity at present. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in dealing with adults and are better equipped to understand the nuances of ADHD. They are more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression that are often associated with ADHD.
Many people are concerned about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to misdiagnose the disease. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics were able to diagnose patients without following due process. Some have even claimed that the program is promoting stereotypes and stigmatizing people who suffer from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing this issue and highlighting the adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's a shame that some of those who need assistance are required to seek it privately, and the NHS should come up with ways to deal with the issue. In the meantime, if you think you might have ADHD, you can try a free screening with a charity or request an assessment from an individual psychiatrist. These are typically less expensive than the NHS however they don't include a prescription.
Second opinion
It is important to seek a diagnosis when you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and also prescribe medications. You could be recommended to a psychiatrist additional treatment. Private clinics often offer diagnosis and titration. These clinics are generally experienced with the wide range of adults with ADHD, including men and women. They also screen for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however, they are generally much quicker than NHS waiting times. Typically, you will pay for a first assessment and then have follow-up appointments as needed. If you are insured, your coverage will likely cover these appointments. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who have been trained and have a special interest ADHD. Initial appointments usually involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires and you might be referred for further tests like an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time as well as titration costs. Certain private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and this may be less expensive. The process of titration takes longer and requires more 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 an unofficial clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a number cases where patients received an assessment of ADHD and then withdrawn. This is a serious problem, as it can be extremely stressful for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse side effects.
In Scotland the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment and the titration. Most health insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it is worth checking to see whether you are covered.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP recommends you to an expert clinic, the specialist will ask you questions and perform an assessment. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they match the diagnostic criteria. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that might be present. Often, these will be depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication, if necessary.
During the test during the assessment, you will be asked about your family history and current problems at home and work. They will also ask you about any medications you are taking. They will then conduct a formal interview, and you must bring an adult family member or friend along to provide any additional information. It usually takes a few sessions for the evaluation to determine a diagnosis. Some clinics offer a complete examination, while others only test for specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the inadequate service offered to patients with ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The programme's undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his doctor insisted that he did not have the condition. The BBC claimed that the report was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private firms. However doctors are only permitted to refer patients for further examination or prescribe medication if they follow strict guidelines.
Many doctors will not sign an agreement to share care with the NHS, which is the only way they can transfer the patient's care to the NHS following an individual diagnosis. They feel that they are not experts on ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications for their patients, which can make it difficult for patients to receive the treatment they require.
Ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD evaluation if they haven't already. You can determine your estimated waiting time by calling your local mental health service or by visiting the Right To Choose site. The site lets you choose an online ADHD assessment service, which will be provided by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It aids people in understanding themselves and also their family and friends. It also assists them to find the right treatment strategy. It is not always simple to determine a diagnosis. In private adhd assessment must wait for a long period of time for an NHS assessment. This can cause anxiety for many who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you're unable to wait, it's possible to request an appointment by a qualified specialist psychiatrist. You will be able to save time and avoid having to go to your GP. This is a lengthy procedure that can take several months. However it will provide you with more precise diagnoses than the ones offered by the NHS. It is important to ensure that the person conducting the test is a psychologist or psychiatrist because they are the only healthcare professionals competent to assess ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment could include a clinical interview conducted by psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, childhood history and other factors. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your struggles at school, at work, or in relationships. The doctor will also discuss other symptoms that could be indicative of ADHD.
The result will be a comprehensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will provide to your GP with your consent. They may also prescribe medication if appropriate. They will also help you find other ways of support, including mentorship and support for studying skills. They will also help you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if you are a student at a university.
It is not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. Some people attempt to save money by using online assessments or private clinics with short appointments and little or no expert clinical knowledge. These shortcuts should be avoided, but there's no reason why people with ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment when they can afford it.