ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD assessment is usually a pretty thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms cause significant impairment and rule out other illnesses such as thyroid issues or depression. They can also request old school reports as well as other evidence.
It is crucial that the person who is conducting your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This applies to GP's and consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting at various times
Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnoses are left waiting years to see psychiatrists for years. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder that can have an enormous impact on the lives of people. The situation is even worse in certain regions, with waiting times as high as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The issue is worsened by the growing awareness of the condition and an increase in the demand for treatment. private adhd assessment are struggling to keep up with the demand, and many patients are choosing to seek treatment through private clinics. This has been made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select for private healthcare from any provider.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in parts of the country. The number of adults who want an assessment has grown exponentially, and is currently exceeding the capacity of the service. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in dealing with adults, and are better equipped to comprehend the nuances of ADHD. They are more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiousness that are often associated with ADHD.
However, many are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to over-diagnose the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics made diagnoses without following the proper process. Some have claimed that the program is promoting stereotypes and stigmatizing people who suffer from ADHD.
However, the BBC should be praised for exposing this issue and highlighting the dire situation of adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some people who need this assistance are being required to seek it privately and the NHS needs to work out ways to deal with the issue. In the meantime, if you might be suffering from ADHD, you can try a free screening with a charity, or pay for an assessment from an individual psychiatrist. They're typically less expensive than the NHS, but will not give the prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is important to seek out a diagnosis if you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will assist you in managing your symptoms and take medication. You may also be referred to a psychiatrist for additional treatment. There are numerous private clinics that offer diagnoses and titration treatments. These clinics have lots of experience working with a broad spectrum of adults, including women and men, who may be suffering from ADHD. They can also test for co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however, they are generally significantly faster than NHS waiting times. Typically, you pay for an initial assessment and then be able to schedule subsequent appointments as required. If you have insurance and coverage, it will cover these appointments. These appointments will be conducted in a professional manner by nurses who have been trained and have a specific interest in ADHD. The initial appointment will typically involve clinical interviews and rating scales. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires and referred for additional tests, such as an MRI.
You can expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The price includes both the assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Some private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and it can be less expensive. The process of titration takes longer and requires more appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that a patient waited for three years to receive an NHS evaluation, before going to a doctor in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a number of cases in which patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD which was later removed. This is a serious problem because it can be very distressing for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse side effects.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 which includes the initial assessment and the adjustment. The majority of health insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it's worth checking to see whether you are covered.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP suggests a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask questions and conduct an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also look for co-morbidities, or other mental health issues. Most of the time, these are anxiety and depression. The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options and medications if needed.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at home and at work. They will also ask about any medications that you're taking. They will then conduct a structured interview, and you should bring an adult friend or relative with you to provide collateral information. The examination will typically require a few sessions to establish the diagnosis. Some clinics provide a full assessment, while others only test for specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor provision of ADHD services in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The undercover reporter of the show 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 a case 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 GPs refuse to sign a contract for shared treatment with the NHS. This is the only way they can transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnosis. They feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. A lot of private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications to their patients, which could make it difficult for them to get the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation if they haven't already. You can find out your estimated waiting time either by calling your local mental health service or by visiting the Right To Choose site. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service that will be offered by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. Not only does it help people understand themselves better, but it also helps them and their friends and family better assist them. In addition, it could help them find a good treatment strategy. However, obtaining an accurate diagnosis isn't always easy. Especially in the UK, where people have to wait for a long time for an assessment by the NHS. This can cause frustration for many people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, it's possible to request an assessment in private by a qualified specialist psychiatrist. You'll save time and avoid having to go to your GP. This is not a quick procedure and could take months however, it will provide you with more precise diagnosis than the NHS one. You must make sure that the person who is conducting your test is a psychiatrist or psychologist as they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK that are qualified to assess ADHD.
A private evaluation could involve an interview with a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Questions will be asked about your mental health, childhood experiences and other factors. The doctor will employ rating scales to inquire about your struggles at work, in school, or in relationships. They will also discuss any other signs you may have which could be indicative of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then provide a thorough ADHD report to your GP with your permission. They will also recommend medications if they are needed. They will also assist with other forms of help, like tutoring and study skills. If you are students, they will also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance.
It's not ideal to cut corners however, the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. This means that there are people who try to cut costs by using online assessments or private clinics that offer quick appointments, but offer no expertise in clinical practice. These shortcuts are to be avoided. However, those suffering from ADHD should still seek a diagnosis when they can afford it.