ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally an extremely thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms cause significant impairment and will rule out other conditions such as thyroid or depression. They might also request older school reports or other evidence.
It is crucial that the person assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is true for GP's and consultants as well.
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 ADHD is recognized as an extremely serious mental health condition and that it has major impacts on people's lives. In some regions, waiting times can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to help improve the situation.
The issue is worsened by the growing awareness of the condition and a rise in the demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling with the demand and many patients decide to seek treatment from private clinics. This has been made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to opt for private health care from any provider.
Psychiatry UK is one such service, which provides an online ADHD assessment and medication for the NHS. The number of adults seeking an assessment has exploded and is currently over the capacity of the service. People who opt to take the private route are usually much better served, as private psychiatrists are more adept at dealing with adults and are more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which can often accompany ADHD.
Many people are concerned about the accuracy of private assessments and the potential for them to overdiagnose the disease. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics have made diagnoses without following the correct procedure. Some have even claimed that the program is promoting stigma and stereotyping against people who suffer from ADHD.
However the BBC should be commended for exposing this problem and highlighting the dire situation of adults who need an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some people are forced to seek assistance privately. The NHS should come up with a solution to remedy this situation. In the meantime, if you might have ADHD You can take advantage of a free screening with a charity or pay for an assessment from an individual psychiatrist. These are typically cheaper than the NHS but they do not provide prescriptions for medication.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek out a diagnosis if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. A proper diagnosis will aid in managing your symptoms and take medications. You may also be referred to a psychiatrist for additional therapy. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and titration. These clinics are generally familiar with the vast range of adults who may have ADHD as well as women and men. They are also able to look for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they are typically much quicker than NHS waiting times. Typically, you'll pay for a first assessment, and then follow-up appointments if needed. These appointments are covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who have been trained and have a particular interest in ADHD. The initial appointment will normally include clinical interviews and rating scales. You will also be required to complete questionnaires, and you may be referred to additional tests, such as an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will charge you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time as well as titration costs. adhd private assessment uk offer titration separate from diagnosis and can be cheaper. However the process of titration can be longer and requires a number of appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments is under scrutiny following 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 exposed a number of cases where patients received a diagnosis of ADHD, which was later taken off. This is a serious issue because it can be extremely distressing for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse negative side effects.
In Scotland the Scottish government, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 which includes the initial assessment as well as the adjustment. Most health insurers offer these tests, but it's important to check with your insurance provider to determine if the policy you have does.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP suggests you visit a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask you questions and carry out an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they match the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also search for co-morbidities, or any other mental health issues. Most often, these are anxiety and depression. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication, if necessary.
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 you about any medications you are taking. The interview will be planned and you can bring your family member or friend to assist you understand the information. The test will typically take a few sessions to reach a diagnosis. Some clinics will offer an entire evaluation, while others will focus on specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor service offered to patients with ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics while his doctor said that he didn't suffer from ADHD. The BBC argued that the report was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private firms, however GPs are only able to refer patients for further investigations or prescribe medication in accordance with strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign a shared care agreement with the NHS, which is the only way they can refer their patient's treatment to the hospital following the patient has received a private 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 patients to get the care they require.
If your GP hasn't referred you for an ADHD assessment, ask them to refer you. You can determine the estimated wait time by contacting 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 offered by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Having an ADHD diagnosis can be life changing. It helps people better understand their own behavior and that of their family and friends. In addition, it can assist them in finding a suitable treatment strategy. It is not always simple to determine an assessment. In the UK patients have to wait for a long time to receive an NHS assessment. This can cause frustration for many people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, you can self-refer to psychiatrists who specialize in private assessment. You will save time and avoid a trip to your GP. This isn't a fast procedure and could take months however, it will provide you with a more accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. You should ensure that the person performing your assessment is a psychiatrist or psychologist since they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK that are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
A private assessment will likely include a clinical interview with a psychiatrist, including questions regarding your mental health and childhood history. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your struggles at school, at work, or in relationships. They will also talk about any other signs you may have which could be indicative of ADHD.
This will produce an extensive ADHD assessment report, which the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your consent. If necessary, they'll prescribe medication. They will also help you get other types of support, including tutoring and support for your study skills. They will also help you in applying for Disabled Student Allowance if you are a student at a university.
It's not a good idea to cut corners however, the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. Some people attempt to save money by using online assessments or private clinics with fast appointments but with not having any clinical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided. However, those suffering from ADHD should still seek a diagnosis if they can afford it.