ADHD Assessment in the UK
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 conditions such as thyroid or depression. They might also request old school records or other evidence.
It is essential that the person carrying out your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This is the case for GP's as well as consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years to get an appointment with psychiatrists. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder that can have an enormous impact on the lives of people. In some regions, waiting times can last as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The problem is exacerbated by the increasing awareness of the condition and the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet the demand and many patients decide to seek treatment from private clinics. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private healthcare providers.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. The number of adults requesting an assessment has increased dramatically, and is currently exceeding the capacity of the service. If you choose to go the private route are usually much better served, as private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and will be more familiar with the nuances of the condition. They are also more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety, which can often be present with ADHD.
However, many are still concerned about the assessment of private patients and the risk of them over-diagnosing the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics were able to diagnose patients without following the correct procedure. Some have accused the programme of stoking stereotypes and stigmatizing people who suffer from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended however, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some of those who need this assistance are being forced to seek it out privately and the NHS should come up with ways to deal with the issue. In the meantime, if you think you may have ADHD You can take advantage of an assessment for free with a charity or pay for an assessment from a private psychiatrist. They're typically less expensive than the NHS, but will not issue prescriptions for medication.
Second opinion
It is crucial to seek a diagnosis when you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A clear diagnosis will allow you to take steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You could be advised to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. Private clinics often offer diagnosis and adjustment. These clinics have a lot of experience dealing with a diverse spectrum of adults, including women and men who may suffer from ADHD. They also can screen for co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly, but they are usually more efficient than NHS waiting times. You will typically pay for the initial assessment, and then make subsequent appointments if required. These appointments are covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are trained and have a specific interest in ADHD. The initial appointment will usually consist of clinical interviews and grading scales. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires, and then referred for further tests, like an MRI.
You should expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private facility for an ADHD assessment. The cost covers the assessment time and titration fees. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration that is separate from diagnosis and are cheaper. The process of titration takes longer and requires appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has come under scrutiny after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient had spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before deciding to go to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation exposed a variety of instances where patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is a serious problem, as it can be extremely stressful for patients to have their symptoms misdiagnosed and prescribed medication with adverse negative side effects.
In Scotland In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 that includes the initial assessment and the adjustment. The majority of health insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it is worthwhile to verify whether you're covered.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP refers you to an expert clinic, the clinician will ask you questions and conduct an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD, and if they are in line with the diagnostic criteria. They will also check for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that might be present. Most often, these are anxiety and depression. The doctor will discuss with you the options for treatment that are available, including medication if required.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be asked questions about your family background and current problems at home and work. They will also inquire about any medications that you are taking. The interview will be planned and you can bring an adult or a relative to help you understand the information. It usually takes a few sessions to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics provide a full examination, while others only test for specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. Full Review on the show was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics while his doctor said that he did not have ADHD. The BBC claimed that the story was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private companies, but GPs are only able to refer patients to further investigations or prescribe medication according to strict guidelines.
Many doctors will not sign an agreement to share care with the NHS as it is the only way that they can refer their patient's treatment to the service after an individual diagnosis. This is because they feel that they're not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Also, GPs should be aware that many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication, which may make it difficult for their patients to receive the care they require.
Request your GP to refer you to an ADHD evaluation in the event that they haven't yet. You can find out your estimated waiting time either by calling the local mental health service or by visiting the Right To Choose site. The site allows you to select an online ADHD assessment service that will be offered by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It not only helps people understand themselves better as well as help them and their family and friends better help them. It also assists them to identify the right treatment strategy. However, obtaining a diagnosis is not always straightforward. Particularly in the UK where patients have to wait for a long time for an assessment by the NHS. This can cause frustration for those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, it is possible to self-refer for an assessment in private by a qualified specialist psychiatrist. This will help you save time and also a visit to your GP. It is a long process that can take several months. However, it will give you a more accurate diagnoses than the ones provided by the NHS. You should make sure that the person who is conducting the assessment is a psychologist or psychiatrist, because they are the sole healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
A private assessment will likely include a consultation with a psychiatrist. This will include questions about your mental health and your childhood history. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your current challenges at work, in school, or in relationships. They will also address any other signs you may have that might indicate the presence of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then provide a thorough ADHD report to your GP with your consent. If needed, they may prescribe medication. They can also assist with other forms of support, including study skills and mentoring. If you are students, they will also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance.
While it's not ideal to make shortcuts however, the reality is that NHS services are overloaded and underfunded. As a result, there are some who try to reduce costs by using online assessments or private clinics that offer quick appointments, but offer no clinical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided. However, those suffering from ADHD should still seek out a diagnosis if they can afford it.