ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD evaluation is typically a fairly thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms cause significant impairment, and will rule out other conditions like thyroid or depression. They may also request old school reports and other evidence to support your claim.
It is vital that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is true for GP's and consultant psychiatrists alike.
Waiting several times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting for years to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. This is despite the fact that the condition is recognized as a serious mental health issue and that it has major impacts on people's lives. The situation is even worse in some areas, with waiting periods as high as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The problem is exacerbated by the increasing awareness of the condition and the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep pace with the demand, and many patients are opting to seek treatment from private healthcare providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to select private health providers.
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 increased dramatically and is currently over its capacity. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in dealing with adults and are better equipped to understand the nuances of ADHD. They are also more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety which are often present with ADHD.
Many people are worried about the quality of private assessments and the possibility for them to overdiagnose the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics were able to diagnose patients without following the correct procedure. Some have accused the program of perpetuating stereotypes and stigmas of people with ADHD.
The BBC should be commended however, for exposing this problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's a shame some people are forced to seek assistance privately. The NHS must find a way to fix this problem. If you suspect you may have ADHD Consider a no-cost screening with a charity or pay a private psychiatrist to assess you. These are usually cheaper than the NHS however they don't include prescriptions.
Second opinion
It is crucial to seek a diagnosis if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. A proper diagnosis will help you manage your symptoms and prescribe medications. You could also be referred to a psychiatrist for additional therapy. Private clinics often offer diagnosis and adjustment. These clinics are usually very adept with the various types of adults with ADHD which includes women and men. They can also test for co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they are typically significantly faster than NHS waiting times. Typically, you'll pay for a first assessment and then have follow-up appointments if needed. If you are insured, your coverage will likely cover these appointments. These appointments are conducted by trained nurses with a particular interest in ADHD and are able to assess the condition. Initial appointments usually include clinical interviews and rating systems. You could also be asked to fill out questionnaires and referred for additional tests, for example, an MRI.
It is possible to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time as well as titration costs. Certain private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and it can be less expensive. Titration process 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 turning to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation revealed a variety of instances where patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD and then removed. This is a serious problem because it can be extremely distressing for patients to be misdiagnosed and prescribed medication with adverse side effects.
In private adhd assessment cost for an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the titration. Most health insurers cover these assessments however it is worthwhile to inquire with your insurance company to determine if your policy does.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP recommends you to a specialist clinic, the specialist will ask you questions and perform an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they match the criteria for diagnosing the condition. They will also check for co-morbidities, or any other mental health issues. Most often, these are depression and anxiety. The doctor will go over with you the options for treatment, including medication if necessary.
During the examination you will be asked questions about your family background and current problems at home and work. They will also ask about any medications you are taking. The interview will be structured and you can bring an adult or a relative to help you with the information. The examination will typically require several sessions to reach a diagnosis. Some clinics will provide an extensive evaluation, whereas others will only test 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 undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his GP claimed that he did not have the condition. The BBC said that the report was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private companies, while GPs can only refer patients for further investigations or prescribe medication under strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign a shared care agreement with the NHS as it is the only way they can transfer their patient's care to the service following the patient has received a private diagnosis. They believe they aren't experts in ADHD or psychiatry. The GP should also 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 if they haven't already. You should be able to find out the estimated waiting time by calling your local mental health service, or by using the Right To Choose website. The site allows you to choose an online ADHD assessment service that will be provided by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It not only helps individuals better understand themselves and their needs, but it also helps them and their friends and family better help them. private adhd assessment helps them determine the best treatment plan. However, obtaining a diagnosis is not always straightforward. In the UK, people have to wait for a long period of time for an NHS assessment. This can cause frustration for many people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you can't wait, you can self-refer to an expert psychiatrist for a private assessment. This will save you time and also a visit to your GP. It is not an easy procedure and could take months but it will give you an accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. It is crucial to ensure that the person running the test is a psychologist or psychiatrist since they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment is likely to include a clinical interview with a psychiatrist. This will include questions about your mental health and your childhood history. The doctor will also employ ratings scales and inquire about your current struggles in school, at work, and in relationships. They will also address any other symptoms you have that might indicate the presence of ADHD.
This will produce an extensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will provide to your GP with your consent. They will also recommend medication if needed. They can also assist you in obtaining other forms of support, including tutoring and study skills. If you are students, they will assist you with applying for Disabled Students Allowance.
It's not a good idea to cut corners, but the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. Some people attempt to cut corners using online assessments or private clinics with quick appointments and not having any medical expertise. These methods should be avoided, but there's no reason to think that people suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.