ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally an extensive process. A psychiatrist will evaluate whether your symptoms cause significant impairment and will rule out other illnesses, such as thyroid or depression. They may also request old school reports or other evidence to back up their claims.
It is important that the person carrying out your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This applies to psychiatrists and GPs alike.
Waiting at various times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years to get an appointment with psychiatrists. private adhd assessment is acknowledged as a serious mental disorder that has an enormous impact on people's daily lives. In certain areas waiting times can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The issue is being worsened by the growing awareness of the condition, as well as an increase in demand for treatments. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a lot of patients are choosing to seek treatment from private healthcare providers. This is made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select for private healthcare from any provider.
One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. It has seen a surge in the number of adults seeking an assessment, and exceeds its capacity at present. People who opt to take the private route are usually more successful, since private psychiatrists are used to dealing with adults and are 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 are still worried about the quality of private assessments, and the potential for them to misdiagnose the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics made diagnoses without following due process. Some have accused the programme of stoking stigma and stereotypes against those with ADHD.
However, the BBC deserves praise for exposing this issue and highlighting the dire situation of adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some people who need this assistance are being required to seek it privately, and the NHS needs to work out ways to deal with the issue. In the meantime, if you think you might have ADHD, you can try the free test offered by a charity, or pay for an assessment from a private psychiatrist. They are generally less expensive than the NHS but they do not come with a prescription.
Second opinion
It is important to seek a diagnosis when you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A proper diagnosis will assist you in managing your symptoms and also prescribe medication. You may be recommended to a psychiatrist additional therapy. There are many private clinics offering diagnosis and titration services. These clinics have plenty of experience dealing with a diverse range adults, including women and men who might suffer from ADHD. They can also test for co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be expensive, but the waiting times for NHS services are more lengthy. You will typically pay for the initial assessment, and then arrange follow-up appointments if needed. These appointments are covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by specially trained nurses who have a particular interest in ADHD and are able to evaluate the condition. The initial appointment will normally involve clinical interviews and rating scales. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires and referred for additional tests, for example, an MRI.
A private clinic will charge you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time and titration fees. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and this may be cheaper. However, the process of titration is longer and requires additional appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited for three years for an NHS assessment, before turning to a clinic in desperation. The BBC investigation highlighted a number of cases in which patients were diagnosed of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is a serious problem, as it can be extremely stressful for patients to have their symptoms incorrectly diagnosed and prescribed medication that has adverse consequences.
In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the titration. The majority of health insurance policies cover these tests. However, it is worthwhile to verify whether you're covered.
Referral to specialist clinics
If your GP suggests you visit 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 determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also check for co-morbidities, or other mental health conditions. These are often anxiety and depression. The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you including medication 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 you about any medications that you are taking. The interview will be planned and you can bring an adult or a relative to help you with the information. It typically requires a few sessions for the assessment to establish the diagnosis. Some clinics offer an entire evaluation, while others will focus on specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the inadequate treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to light. Undercover reporter for the programme was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics while his GP said that he did not have ADHD. The BBC said that the report was an example 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 GPs are unwilling to sign an agreement to share healthcare with the NHS. This is the only way they can transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnosis. They feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. GPs should also note that many private psychiatrists will not prescribe medication, which could make it difficult for their patients to receive the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation in the event that they haven't yet. You should be able to find out the estimated wait time by contacting your local mental health service, or by using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you choose an online ADHD Assessment service that is provided by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Achieving 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 assist them. It also assists them to identify the right treatment plan. However, getting a diagnosis is not always straightforward. Particularly in the UK where people are waiting for long periods for an assessment by the NHS. This can be a major issue for those seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you can't wait, you can self-refer to a specialist psychiatrist for a private assessment. It will help you reduce time and avoid a visit to your GP. It is not an easy process and can take months, but it will provide you with a more accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. It is important to ensure that the person performing the assessment is either psychiatrist or psychologist, since they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
A private assessment may include a clinical interview conducted by psychiatrists. The doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, childhood experiences and other factors. The doctor will utilize rating scales to inquire about your current challenges at work, in school or in relationships. They will also talk about any other symptoms you have that could indicate the presence of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then send an extensive ADHD report to your GP with your permission. They will also recommend medication if needed. They can also assist you to access other forms of support, such as mentoring and study skills support. If you're an undergraduate student, they can assist you in applying for Disabled Students Allowance.
While it is not ideal to take short cuts but the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners using online assessments or private clinics with short appointments and not having any expert clinical knowledge. These methods should be avoided, however there is no reason why people with ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment when they can afford it.