ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD evaluation is typically an extremely thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will evaluate whether your symptoms cause significant impairment and will rule out other medical conditions such as thyroid or depression. They can also request old school reports and other supporting evidence.
It is vital that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is true for GP's and consultants as well.
Waiting at various times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting for years for an appointment with a psychiatrist. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder that has a significant impact on the daily lives of people. The situation is more difficult in some regions, with waiting times as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to help improve the situation.
The issue is made worse by the increasing awareness of the condition and the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling with demand and many patients choose to seek treatment from private providers. This is made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to opt for private health care from any provider.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in various parts of the country. The number of adults who want an assessment has grown exponentially and is currently over its capacity. People who opt to take the private route are typically more successful, since private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and will be more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression that are frequently associated with ADHD.
However, many people are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the risk of them over-diagnosing the condition. The issue was brought to the public's attention after a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the way in which some private clinics were granting diagnoses without proper procedure. Some have claimed that the program is perpetuating stereotypes and stigmas of people suffering from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended however, for exposing this issue and highlighting the adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some of those who need this help are being forced to seek it privately and the NHS needs to work out ways to address the situation. In the meantime, if you suspect you may have ADHD You can try the free test offered by a charity, or take advantage of an assessment by private psychiatrists. These are typically cheaper than the NHS however they will not give the prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is essential to seek out a diagnosis if you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will enable you to take the necessary steps to manage your symptoms, including medication. You may also be directed to a psychiatrist for additional treatment. There are many private clinics offering diagnosis and titration services. These clinics are usually very adept with the various types of adults with ADHD which includes women and men. They can also look for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be expensive, but they are usually more efficient than NHS waiting times. Typically, you will pay for an initial assessment, and then follow-up appointments as needed. These appointments will be covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by specially trained nurses with a particular interest in ADHD and are certified to assess the condition. Initial appointments typically involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You could 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 price includes both the assessment time and the titration fee. Some private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis and can be less expensive. The process of titration can take longer and requires additional appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has been questioned after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient sat for three years waiting for an NHS assessment before deciding to go to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation revealed a number of cases where patients were diagnosed of ADHD which was later removed. This is a serious issue, as it can be very distressing for patients to be misdiagnosed and prescribed medication with adverse side effects.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 which includes the initial assessment as well as the adjustment. Most health insurers cover these assessments but it's worth checking with your insurer to see if your policy covers them.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP refers to a specialist clinic the clinician will ask questions and conduct an evaluation of your clinical condition. They will determine whether your symptoms are a sign of ADHD and if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also check for co-morbidities, or any other mental health issues. Most of the time, these are anxiety and depression. The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options, including medication if necessary.
During the examination, you will be asked questions about your family history and your current issues at home and work. They will also ask you about any medications that you are taking. The interview will be planned and you can bring your family member or friend to help you understand the information. adhd private assessment takes a few sessions for the evaluation to establish a diagnosis. Some clinics will provide an extensive evaluation, whereas others will only look at specific symptoms.
The poor quality of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny following a Panorama investigation. The undercover reporter on the show was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, while his doctor said that he did not have it. The BBC claimed that the report was a case of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However doctors are only permitted to refer patients for further investigation or prescribe medication if they follow strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign a shared care agreement with the NHS and is the only way that they can transfer their patient's care to the service after an individual diagnosis. This is because they feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications for their patients, which may make it difficult for patients to receive the treatment they need.
Ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD evaluation if they haven't already. You can determine the estimated wait time by contacting the local mental health services or by visiting the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD Assessment service that will be provided by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Achieving an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever. It helps people better understand themselves as well as their family and friends. In addition, it could help them find a good treatment strategy. It is not always simple to determine an assessment. Particularly in the UK, where people have to wait for a long time for an assessment by the NHS. This can be a major issue for many who are seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can refer yourself to psychiatrists who specialize in private evaluation. This will help you save time and also a visit to your GP. This is not a quick process and can take months however, it will give you a more accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. You should ensure that the person performing your test is a psychologist or psychiatrist, because they are the sole healthcare professionals in the UK who are certified to assess ADHD.
A private assessment is likely to include a consultation with a psychiatrist, which will include questions about 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 discuss any other symptoms you experience which could be indicative of ADHD.
The result will be an extensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your consent. If appropriate, they will also prescribe medication. They can also assist you to access other forms of support, such as mentorship and support for studying skills. If you're an undergraduate student, they can also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance.
It's not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. Some people try to save money by using online assessments or private clinics that offer fast appointments but with not having any clinical expertise. These methods should be avoided. However, those suffering from ADHD should still seek a diagnosis when they can afford it.