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ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough diagnostic assessment is required for a correct diagnosis. This includes screening questions sent out in advance, an interview with yourself and, ideally, someone you know well from your childhood, analysis of school reports from the past (if they are available) and a comprehensive consultation.
The NHS has specific guidelines for ADHD tests. However, many opt to go through a private healthcare provider to expedite the process and avoid lengthy waiting lists.
What is an ADHD assessment?
A healthcare professional will listen to your concerns and help you comprehend them by conducting an ADHD assessment. You will be working with a senior psychiatrist to discover the root of the issue and how it is impacting on your life. They will evaluate you using various tools, such as symptom checklists or rating scales. They will also consider the family history of your parents and any previous experiences with mental health issues. The psychiatrist will then be able confirm which of the three main subtypes you might have.
The specialist will also rule-out any other medical or mental conditions that could mimic the symptoms ADHD. This is important because if you are misdiagnosed with ADHD the symptoms might not improve. The specialist will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and how these affect your daily functioning by using the same criteria as an NHS specialist.
Make a list ahead of time of any questions or concerns you might have. This can help ensure that all of your needs are covered, and that nothing is left unanswered. It's also an excellent idea to keep a note of any specific problems you've experienced. Noting them down will aid in remembering them, and will aid in getting an ADHD diagnosis much faster and more effective.
You should also bring any relevant documents with you to your appointment. You may bring old work or school report cards, or even performance evaluations. You can also assist the expert by bringing any documents you may have that demonstrate how ADHD has affected your life.
You may be asked to fill out pre-screening questionnaires before your appointment. These can be accessed by logging into your portal dashboard. They are usually available to fill out before meeting with the psychiatrist. This should be completed as quickly as you can and will cut down the amount of time you'll wait.
How can I obtain an ADHD assessment?
A diagnosis of ADHD could be the first step towards getting the help and support you require. In the UK doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD. However they can refer a patient to a psychiatrist.
The NHS will fund an ADHD assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. This will take between 45 to 90 minutes. You will be asked questions regarding your mental health and your family's mental health history, and the symptoms you are experiencing. The specialist will also consider any other psychological or medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Your doctor will also ask whether you've experienced similar issues. The current diagnostic guidelines state that ADHD is only diagnosed as an adult if symptoms have been present from childhood.
If you've had these symptoms as an adult, your specialist will ask whether your symptoms have changed or worsened over the course of time. They will also look at any other factors that may influence your symptoms, such as stress and anxiety. They may also suggest that you take a group-based ADHD education and support program or provide recommendations for other therapies like cognitive behavior therapy.
If you live in England and are having difficulty getting a NHS-funded ADHD evaluation, you can avail your Right to Choose. This means that you have the option to go private if you are happy with the wait time for an NHS assessment or if you wish to avoid waiting for an assessment altogether. Private assessments are more expensive however they provide direct treatment. Your specialist will write a comprehensive report that you can take to your GP and will go over any recommended medications or other treatment options with you. If you request, they'll also send a recommendation letter to your workplace or school. This could be an additional expense depending on the length of time it takes to prepare the letter.
What happens during a ADHD assessment?
A psychiatric examination is the first step in an ADHD assessment. Your doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle, health family, development, and lifestyle. They will also use standardised questionnaires that will be mailed to you beforehand. They will also interview other people, such as parents, siblings, spouses or spouses, and may ask friends and teachers for their opinion too. The interviews are not designed to criticise you, but rather to help determine other factors that could be causing your symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
During the interview, your doctor may look at any documents you bring, like the results of previous psychological tests or old school reports. The evaluator might also spend some time with someone who knows you well, such as your spouse, sibling, or parent. This is to gather information about your childhood, as you might have forgotten certain details or that your behaviours may have changed over time.
The psychiatrist will also analyze any information you have provided on the standardised questionnaires before the appointment, to ensure they have an overview of your symptoms. They will also examine any other data from the past like old school reports, or an exam for neurodevelopmental or medical conditions. This is to make sure that you meet the standard criteria for ADHD. For children, this is at least six established ADHD behaviors in one of the two categories of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity over a period of six months. For adults, this is at least five confirmed symptoms in the same time.
Your psychiatrist will then conduct a psychiatric interview in person with you after collecting all relevant information. They will then consider all the information they've gathered and determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD. This means evaluating your symptoms using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
If your doctor determines that you do have ADHD, they will submit a report to your GP. The GP will then choose the best treatment plan for you which could include the use of pharmacological (medication) or psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you have a legal right to choose your own healthcare provider, so you can visit your private clinician to get an ADHD assessment if you do not want to wait for the NHS.
What happens following an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis can transform your life. It can aid you in getting treatment and reduce anxiety or self-doubt.
If you suspect that you or your child are suffering from ADHD The first step is to talk with a GP. They may refer you to a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist, who are the only healthcare professionals qualified in the UK to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients might wait for months for a referral. Many prefer to seek out private treatment.
After you have been referred to an assessment the child or you will be interviewed in person by your physician. The interview will include subjects like growth, health and family history, as well as lifestyle. The clinician may also ask to talk to other people, like coaches, teachers, or daycare providers. This is not an attempt to check your answers, but to find out how your symptoms affect your child or different situations.
The clinician will also use rating scales to determine if you experience specific symptoms, like restlessness or difficulty staying focused. This will identify whether you meet the standard criteria for ADHD. source for this article will also determine whether you suffer from any other problems, such as anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your clinician if you have any history of ADHD in your family. Genetics can affect the likelihood of developing the disorder.
After the psychiatric assessment the doctor will write up a comprehensive report that you can take to your GP. This will include a detailed diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
If you are an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD, your GP might suggest a test of medication. If the medication is effective you must inform your insurance company as well as the DVLA, because you will be required to renew your driving license. Your therapist may recommend that you and your child attend an educational class for parents to learn together how to manage ADHD. This can improve your relationship with the child and help you become more secure as a parent.