ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally a fairly comprehensive procedure. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms cause significant impairment and will rule out other conditions such as thyroid or depression. They can also request old school records and other evidence to support your claim.
It is important that the person carrying out your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This is true for both GPs and psychiatrists.
Waiting times
In the UK adults who require an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years for an appointment with psychiatrists. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder that has an enormous impact on the daily lives of people. The situation is worse in certain 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 made worse by the increasing awareness of this condition and the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling with the demand and many patients decide to seek treatment from private providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to select private health providers.
Psychiatry UK is one such service that offers an online ADHD assessment and medication for the NHS. The service has seen a dramatic increase in the number of adults seeking an assessment, and exceeds its capacity at present. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in dealing with adults and are better able to comprehend the nuances of ADHD. They are more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that can be a result of ADHD.
However, many people are still worried about the quality of private assessments and their potential to over-diagnose the illness. The issue was brought to the public's attention after an BBC Panorama investigation exposed the ways in which private clinics were granting diagnoses without proper process. Some have accused the programme of stoking stereotypes and stigmatizing people who suffer from 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 who need assistance are forced to seek it out privately and the NHS needs to work out ways to deal with the issue. If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD Try a no-cost test with a charity or pay for an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess your. These are usually cheaper than the NHS but do not include prescriptions.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek out a diagnosis if you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A proper diagnosis will assist you in managing your symptoms and prescribe medication. You may also be recommended to a psychiatrist additional treatment. There are numerous private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration treatments. These clinics have a lot of experience working with a broad range adults, including men and women, who may suffer from ADHD. They can also test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however the wait time for NHS services are significantly longer. The typical cost is the initial assessment, and then make follow-up appointments if necessary. These appointments are covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by trained nurses with a particular interest in ADHD and are certified to evaluate it. Initial appointments typically involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You could also be asked to complete questionnaires, and then referred for further tests, for example, an MRI.
You can expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private facility for an ADHD assessment. The price includes both the assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and it can be cheaper. However the process of titration takes longer and requires a number of appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited three years for an NHS assessment, before turning to a doctor in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a number instances in which patients received an assessment of ADHD but were later withdrawn. This is a serious problem since it can be extremely stressful for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse negative side effects.
In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and covers the initial assessment private assessment for adhd cost and titration. Most health insurance policies cover these tests. However, it is worthwhile to verify whether you're covered.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP suggests a specialist clinic the clinician will ask questions and perform an evaluation of your clinical condition. They will determine if your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and if they match the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also check for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that may be present. They are typically anxiety and depression. The doctor will go over with you the treatment options and medications if needed.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will inquire you about your family history as well as current issues at home and at work. They will also inquire about any medications that you're taking. The interview will be structured and you can bring along a friend or relative to help you with the information. It typically requires a few sessions for the evaluation to establish the diagnosis. Some clinics offer a complete assessment, and others will only test for specific symptoms.
The poor quality of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny following an Panorama investigation. The reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics, but his GP claimed that he was not suffering from the condition. The BBC said that the report was an example of "over-diagnosing" by private companies, but GPs are only able to refer patients to further investigations or prescribe medication in accordance with strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign a shared care agreement with the NHS as it is the only way that they can transfer their patient's care to the NHS following an individual diagnosis. They believe that they're not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Private psychiatrists are not the only ones who do not prescribe medications to their patients, which can make it difficult for them to receive the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation if they haven't already. You should be able to determine the estimated wait time by contacting your local mental health clinic or using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service, which will be provided by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. Not only does it help individuals better understand themselves, but it also helps them and their family and friends better assist them. In addition, it can aid them in determining a suitable treatment plan. It's not always easy to get a diagnosis. In the UK, people have to wait a long time for an NHS assessment. This can cause frustration for those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, it is possible to request an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist who is experienced. This will save you time and a trip to your GP. It is not an easy process and can take months but it will provide you with more precise diagnosis than the NHS one. It is crucial to ensure that the person running your assessment is a psychiatrist or psychologist, as these are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to assess ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment could include an interview with psychiatrists. There will be questions about your mental health, childhood experiences and other factors. The doctor will employ rating scales to inquire about your current challenges at work, in school or in relationships. They will also address any other signs you may have which could be indicative of ADHD.
The result will be a comprehensive ADHD assessment report, which the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your permission. If appropriate, they will prescribe medication. They will also help you find other ways of support, including mentoring and study skills support. They will also help with applying for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at university.
It's not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. As a result, there are some who try to cut costs by using online assessments and private clinics that offer short appointments, but offer no expertise in clinical practice. These shortcuts are to be avoided. However, people with ADHD should still seek a diagnosis if they can afford it.