ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally an extensive procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and rule out other medical conditions like depression or thyroid problems. They can also request old school reports as well as other evidence.
It is important that the person performing your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This is the case for psychiatrists and GPs alike.
Waiting several times
Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnosis are forced to wait for years to consult psychiatrists. The condition is acknowledged as a serious mental disorder with an enormous impact on the lives of people. The situation is worse in certain areas, with waiting times up to four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is amplified by the increasing awareness of the condition, as well as an increase in the demand for treatments. NHS services are struggling to keep pace with the demand, and many 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, which provides an online ADHD assessment and medications for the NHS. The number of adults requesting an assessment has exploded and is currently over the capacity of the service. People who opt to take the private route are generally 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 more likely to have experience managing co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that are often associated with ADHD.
Many people are still concerned about the accuracy of private assessments, and the potential for them to overdiagnose a disease. The issue was brought to the attention of the public when an BBC Panorama investigation exposed the method by which some private clinics were granting diagnoses without proper process. Some have even accused the programme of stoking stereotypes and stigmatizing people who suffer from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some have to seek help 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 an assessment for free with a charity or pay for an assessment from private psychiatrists. They're typically less expensive than the NHS however they will not give the prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is important to seek a diagnosis if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. A clear diagnosis will allow you to make the appropriate steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You may also be recommended to a psychiatrist additional therapy. There are numerous private clinics offering diagnosis and titration services. These clinics have a lot of experience with a wide range of adults, both women and men, who may be suffering from ADHD. They are also able to test for co-morbidities like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however, wait time for NHS services are much longer. The typical cost is the initial assessment, and then make follow-up appointments if necessary. If adhd private assessment are insured, your coverage will likely 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. Initial appointments usually involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires and be referred to for further tests, such as an MRI.
You can expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The cost covers the assessment time and titration costs. Some private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis and are cheaper. The process of titration takes longer and requires additional appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has been questioned 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 highlighted a number of cases in which patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD which was later removed. This is a problem since it can be extremely depressing for people to be incorrectly identified, and some patients have been prescribed medication that has adverse side effects.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 that includes the initial assessment as well as the adjustment. The majority of health insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it's worth checking to see whether you're covered.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP refers you to an expert clinic, the doctor will ask you questions and carry out an assessment. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD, and if they are in line with the criteria for diagnosing. They will also assess for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that might be present. These include depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication if needed.
During an assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history and current issues at work and home. They will also inquire about any medications you are taking. The interview will be planned and you can bring your family member or friend to help you understand the information. The test will typically take a few sessions to determine the diagnosis. Some clinics offer a complete examination, while others only look for specific symptoms.
Poor provision of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny following an Panorama investigation. The undercover reporter on the show was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, but his GP said he didn't have it. The BBC said that the report was an example of "over-diagnosing" by private companies, but GPs are only able to refer patients for further investigations or prescribe medication under strict guidelines.
Many GPs are unwilling to sign an agreement for shared treatment with the NHS. This is the only way to transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after 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 may make it difficult for their patients to receive the treatment they need.
Ask your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation in the event that they haven't yet. You can determine the estimated wait time by calling the local mental health services, 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
Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever. It helps people better understand their own behavior and that of their family and friends. Additionally, it can assist them in finding a suitable treatment strategy. It is not always simple to get an accurate diagnosis. Especially in the UK where patients are facing long waiting times for an assessment by the NHS. This can be frustrating for many people who are looking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you can't wait, you can refer yourself to psychiatrists who specialize in private evaluation. It will help you be able to save time and avoid a visit to your GP. It is a long process that could take months. However it will provide you with more precise diagnoses than those provided by the NHS. It is important to ensure that the person performing the assessment is a psychologist or psychiatrist, since they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to assess ADHD.
A private assessment will likely include a clinical interview with a psychiatrist. This will include questions regarding your mental health and your childhood history. The doctor will utilize rating scales to inquire about your current struggles at work, at school or in relationships. The doctor will also talk about other symptoms that could indicate ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then provide a thorough ADHD report to your GP with your consent. If needed, they may also prescribe medication. They can also assist with other forms of help, like studying skills and mentoring. They will also assist you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if you are a student at a university.
While it is not ideal to cut corners however, the reality is that NHS services are overloaded and underfunded. This means that there are some who try to cut the line through online assessments and private clinics that offer short appointments with little or no clinical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided. However, those with ADHD should still seek a diagnosis if they can afford it.