ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD assessment is usually an extremely thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms cause significant impairment, and will rule out other conditions like depression or thyroid. They may also ask for older school reports or other supporting evidence.
It is crucial that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is the case for both GPs and psychiatrists.
Waiting times
Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting years to visit psychiatrists for years. This is despite the fact that the condition is recognised as an extremely serious mental health condition and that it has significant impacts on people's lives. The situation is even worse in certain areas, with waiting periods as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The issue is made worse by the increasing awareness of this condition as well as the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a lot of patients are choosing to seek treatment from private healthcare providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private healthcare providers.
Psychiatry UK is one such service that offers an online ADHD assessment and medications for the NHS. The number of adults who want an assessment has grown exponentially, and is currently exceeding its capacity. Those who choose to go the private route are usually much better off, as private psychiatrists are used to dealing with adults and are more familiar with the nuances of the condition. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression, which can often be present in ADHD.
However, many people are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the risk of them over-diagnosing the disease. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics made diagnoses without following the correct procedure. Some have accused the program of inciting stereotypes and stigmatizing people with ADHD.
However the BBC deserves praise for exposing this issue and highlighting the plight of adults who need an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some people are forced to seek help privately. The NHS must find a way to remedy this situation. In the meantime, if you may have ADHD You can take advantage of the free test offered by a charity or take advantage of an assessment by an individual psychiatrist. They are usually less expensive than the NHS, but will not provide a prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek a diagnosis when you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. An accurate diagnosis will allow you to take the necessary steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You could also be directed to a psychiatrist for additional therapy. There are numerous private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration services. These clinics have plenty of experience dealing with a diverse range adults, including men and women, who may be suffering from ADHD. They also can screen for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however they are typically much quicker than NHS waiting times. You will typically pay for the initial assessment, and then arrange subsequent appointments if required. These appointments are covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are certified and have a specific interest in ADHD. Initial appointments typically involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires, and then referred for further tests, here like an MRI.
A private clinic will charge you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Certain private ADHD assessments provide titration that is separate from diagnosis and are less expensive. However, the process of titration can be 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 he went to a doctor in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a variety of instances in which patients received the diagnosis of ADHD but were later withdrawn. This is a serious issue, as it can be extremely distressing for patients to be misdiagnosed and prescribed medication with adverse consequences.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 that includes the initial assessment and the titration. The majority of health insurance companies cover these assessments however it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if your policy does.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP refers to a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask you questions and perform a clinical evaluation. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they match the criteria for diagnosing. They will also check for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that might be present. These are often anxiety and depression. The doctor will go over with you the options for treatment and medications if needed.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will inquire you about your family history and current issues at home and work. They will also ask about any medications you're taking. They will then conduct a structured interview, and you must bring an experienced friend or relative with you to provide any additional information. It usually takes a few sessions for the evaluation to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics offer an entire evaluation, while others will only test specific symptoms.
Poor provision of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny in the wake of a Panorama investigation. The undercover reporter of the show 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 can only refer patients to further investigations or prescribe medication according to strict guidelines.
Many GPs refuse to sign an agreement for shared healthcare with the NHS. This is the only way to transfer the patient's care to the NHS following a private diagnosis. They feel that they are not experts on ADHD or psychiatry. Also, GPs should be aware that many private psychiatrists will not prescribe medication, which could make it difficult for their patients to receive the care they require.
If your GP hasn't referred you for an ADHD assessment, ask for it. You can determine your estimated waiting time either by calling your local mental health service or by using the Right To Choose site. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service that is provided by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Having an ADHD diagnosis can be life changing. Not only does it help people understand themselves better as well as help them and their family and friends better support them. In addition, it could assist them in finding a suitable treatment strategy. It's not always easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Especially in the UK where patients have to wait for a long time for an assessment by the NHS. This can be a problem for many who are seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can self-refer to a specialist psychiatrist for a private assessment. This will help you save time and the hassle of visiting your GP. This is a lengthy process that can take a few months. However, it will give you more precise diagnoses that those provided by the NHS. It is important to make sure that the person who conducts your assessment is a psychologist or psychiatrist, as these are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to assess ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment may include a clinical interview conducted by a psychiatrist. Questions will be asked regarding your mental health, childhood history and other factors. The doctor will also utilize ratings scales and inquire about your current struggles in school, work, and relationships. They will also address any other symptoms you experience that could indicate the presence of ADHD.
This will result in an extensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will send to your GP with your permission. They will also recommend medication if appropriate. They can also assist you to find other ways of assistance, like mentoring and study skills support. They will also help you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at a university.
It is not ideal to cut corners, but the NHS is overwhelmed and underfunded. Some people try to save money by using online assessments or private clinics that offer fast appointments but with little or no medical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided, but there's no reason to think that those suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment when they can afford it.