ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually a fairly comprehensive procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other conditions such as depression or thyroid. They can also request old school records and other supporting evidence.
It is important that the person carrying out your assessment is an expert in ADHD. This is true for GP's and consultant psychiatrists too.
Waiting times
Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnoses are left waiting years to consult psychiatrists. The condition is acknowledged as a serious mental disorder with an impact on the lives of people. The situation is even worse in certain areas, with waiting periods as high as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The problem is made worse by the increasing awareness of the condition and the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a large number of patients are choosing to seek treatment from private healthcare providers. This has been facilitated by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose for private healthcare from any provider.
Psychiatry UK is one such service, which provides an online ADHD assessment and medications for the NHS. The number of adults seeking an assessment has grown exponentially and is currently over the capacity of the service. If you choose to go the private route are generally much better off, as private psychiatrists are used to dealing with adults and are more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety, which can often be associated with ADHD.
Many people are still concerned about the quality of private assessments, and the potential for them to overdiagnose the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics made diagnoses without following due process. 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 problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's a shame that some people who need this assistance are being forced to seek it privately, and the NHS should come up with ways to address the situation. In the meantime, if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD, you can try the free test offered by an organization, or take advantage of an assessment by a private psychiatrist. These are usually cheaper than the NHS but they do not come with a prescription.
Second opinion
It is important to seek a diagnosis when you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will enable you to take steps to manage your symptoms, including medication. You could be referred to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and titration. These clinics are usually very familiar with the vast range of adults with ADHD which includes men and women. They are also able to test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are costly however, waiting time for NHS services are significantly longer. You will typically pay for the initial assessment, and then schedule follow-up appointments if needed. These appointments are covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be conducted by trained nurses who have a special interest in ADHD and are certified to assess it. The initial appointment will typically involve clinical interviews and rating scales. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires and be referred to for further tests, for example, an MRI.
You should expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 in a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time as well as titration costs. iampsychiatry.uk offer titration separate from diagnosis and are cheaper. However the process of titration is longer and requires more appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited for three years to receive an NHS evaluation, before going to a doctor in desperate need. The BBC investigation highlighted a number of cases in which patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is a serious problem since it can be very distressing for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse side effects.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment and the adjustment. Most health insurance plans offer these tests however it is worth checking with your insurer to determine if the policy you have will cover it.
Referral to specialist clinics
If your GP recommends a specialist clinic the clinician will ask you questions and perform a clinical evaluation. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they meet the criteria for diagnosing. They will also assess for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that might be present. Most of the time, these are anxiety and depression. The doctor will go over with you the treatment options and medications if needed.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will inquire you about your family history as well as current issues at home and work. They will also inquire about any medications you are taking. They will then conduct an organized interview, and you should bring an adult person or relative along to provide collateral information. It usually takes a few sessions to arrive at the diagnosis. Some clinics provide a full assessment, and others will only test for specific symptoms.
Poor provision of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny in the wake of an Panorama investigation. The undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics, but his GP insisted that he was not suffering from the condition. The BBC claimed that the report was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However doctors are only permitted to refer patients for further examination or prescribe medications if they follow strict guidelines.
Many GPs refuse to sign a contract for shared treatment with the NHS. This is the only way for them to transfer the care 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 medication to their patients, which can make it difficult for them to receive the treatment they require.
If your GP hasn't referred you for an ADHD assessment request for it. You can find out the estimated waiting time by calling the local mental health services, or by using the Right To Choose website. The site allows you select an online ADHD assessment service which will be offered by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It not only helps individuals understand themselves better, but it also helps them and their family and friends better help them. Additionally, it can help them find a good treatment plan. However, getting an assessment isn't always easy. In the UK patients have to wait a long time for an NHS assessment. This can cause anxiety for those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are unable to wait, you can self-refer to a specialist psychiatrist for a private assessment. This will help you save time and a trip to your GP. It is not an easy process and can take a long time however, it will give you more precise diagnosis than the NHS one. It is crucial to ensure that the person who conducts the test is a psychologist or psychiatrist since they are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to assess ADHD in the UK.
A private evaluation could involve a clinical interview conducted by psychiatrist. Questions will be asked about your mental health, childhood history and other factors. The doctor will also utilize ratings scales and inquire about your current struggles in school, at work, and in relationships. The doctor will also talk about other signs that may be indicative of ADHD.
This will produce a comprehensive ADHD assessment report, which the psychiatrist will provide to your GP with your consent. If needed, they may prescribe medication. They will also help you find other ways of assistance, like mentoring and study skills support. They will also assist you in submitting for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at university.
While it is not ideal to make shortcuts but the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. As a result, there are some who try to cut costs by using online assessments and private clinics that offer quick appointments with little or no clinical expertise. These methods should be avoided, however there is no reason why people with ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.