ADHD Assessment in the UK
An ADHD assessment is usually a fairly thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms cause significant impairment and rule out other conditions, such as thyroid or depression. adhd private assessment may also request old school records and other supporting evidence.
It is essential that the person carrying out your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This applies to GP's and consultant psychiatrists alike.
Waiting times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are 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 disorder and has profound effects on people's lives. The situation is even worse in certain regions, with waiting times as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is exacerbated by a growing awareness of the condition, as well as a rise in demand for treatments. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a lot of patients are choosing to seek treatment through private providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private healthcare providers.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in parts of the country. The number of adults requesting an assessment has increased dramatically, and is currently exceeding the capacity of the service. People who opt to take the private route are generally more successful, since 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.
However, many people are still concerned about the assessment of private patients and the potential for them to over-diagnose the disease. The issue was brought to the public's attention when an BBC Panorama investigation exposed the method by which some private clinics were granting diagnoses without due process. Some have accused the program of propagating stigma and stereotypes about those with ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, for exposing the 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 out privately, and the NHS must come up with ways to deal with the issue. If you think you might have ADHD, try a free screening through an organization or charity, or pay for a private psychiatrist to assess your. They are usually less expensive than the NHS however they will not provide the prescription for medication.
Second opinion
If you are struggling with symptoms of ADHD, it is important to receive a diagnosis. A correct diagnosis will enable you to take the necessary steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You could be advised to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and the ability to adjust. These clinics are usually very familiar with the vast range of adults with ADHD as well as both genders. They also test for co-morbidities like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly, but they are usually much quicker than NHS waiting times. You typically pay for the initial assessment, and then make follow-up appointments if necessary. If you are insured that covers you, it is likely to cover these appointments. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are certified and have a particular interest in ADHD. Initial appointments typically involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires, and you might be referred to further tests such as an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both assessment time as well as titration fees. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and this may be cheaper. Titration process takes longer and requires appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited three years for an NHS evaluation, before going to a clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a number instances in which patients received the diagnosis of ADHD and then taken off. This is a problem because it can be extremely distressing for people to have their symptoms incorrectly diagnosed, and a few patients have been given medication that causes 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 insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it is worthwhile to verify if you have coverage.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP recommends you to a specialist clinic, the doctor 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 diagnosis. They will also check for co-morbidities, or any other mental health issues. Most of the time, these are anxiety and depression. The doctor will then discuss possible treatment options with you including medication if appropriate.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be asked about your family history and current problems at home and work. They will also ask you about any medications that you are taking. They will then conduct a formal interview, and you should bring an experienced person or relative along to provide collateral information. It typically requires a few sessions to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics offer a comprehensive assessment, and others will only look for 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 reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his doctor insisted that he didn't have the condition. The BBC claimed that the story was a case of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However doctors are only permitted to refer patients to further investigation or prescribe medication in accordance with strict guidelines.
Many GPs refuse to sign an agreement to share care with the NHS. This is the only way for them to transfer the treatment of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnosis. This is because they feel that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medications to their patients, which could make it difficult for patients to get the treatment they need.
Ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD assessment in the event that they haven't yet. You should be able to determine the estimated waiting time by calling the local mental health services or using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service, which will be provided by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Achieving an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever. It can help people understand their own behavior and that of their family and friends. It can also help them determine the best treatment strategy. However, obtaining an assessment isn't always easy. In the UK patients have to wait a long time for an NHS assessment. This can cause frustration for many who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you're not able to wait, it is possible to self-refer for an appointment by a qualified specialist psychiatrist. This will save you time and a trip to your GP. It is a long process that can take a few months. However, it will give you more precise diagnoses than those provided by the NHS. It is essential to make sure that the person running your assessment is a psychologist or psychiatrist since they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to determine ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment is likely to include a consultation with a psychiatrist, including questions about your mental health and your childhood history. The doctor will also employ rating scales and ask about your current struggles at school, at work, and in relationships. The doctor will also address other signs that may indicate ADHD.
The result will be a comprehensive ADHD assessment report, which the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your permission. If appropriate, they will prescribe medication. They can also assist you to get other types of support, such as tutoring and support for your study skills. They will also assist you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if you are a student at university.
While it's not ideal to cut corners but the reality is that NHS services are overwhelmed and underfunded. As a result, there are people who try to cut the line by using online assessments and private clinics that offer short appointments with little or no expertise in clinical practice. These shortcuts should be avoided, but there's no reason to think that people with ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment if they are able to afford it.