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ADHD UK Assessment
It is crucial to speak with your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. They can discuss your symptoms and enquire about any other mental health issues you may have.
NHS patients in England have the legal right to pick their own mental health provider and team. This includes accessing ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is mental illness that affects the way that signals are transmitted between brain cells. This can result in difficulties with learning, organization and paying attention. It can also make it harder to manage problems such as issues with self-control and making the right decisions. People suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and irritable, and also have trouble coping with routines and tasks that others find easy. They may also have emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety or low mood.
People suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or receive wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet the increasing assessment requests with some areas experiencing waiting times that exceed two years. According to BBC Freedom of Information requests, some have been refusing new referrals. The BBC's Freedom of Information requests reveal that a few doctors have stopped accepting new referrals completely.
GPs are required to take the claims made by people who suspect they suffer from symptoms of ADHD seriously and refer them to an assessment. They must follow NICE guidelines, which demand that the assessment be carried out by psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse (or another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE)).
Individuals who are on the NHS waiting list can request a private assessment. This is possible through the Right to Choose pathway, where a doctor agrees to make a referral for an ADHD assessment to their preferred healthcare provider. To make this happen the doctor must discuss with the patient his concerns and explain why they would like an assessment of ADHD symptoms by a psychiatrist.
There are a variety of providers offering private ADHD assessments, some offering titration for medication through the NHS after the test. Psychiatry UK is the largest provider, and they offer details on how to use their services via Right to Choose. They also have a letter that you can download you can send to a GP.
Common symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can affect a person's ability to focus and control their emotions. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. While a lot of people have these issues but those who are diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis face issues that are clearly above what is normal for their age or developmental level. These issues can affect their ability to perform at home and work, and cause problems in relationships.
Inattention occurs when someone is unable to stay focused and focused. They can easily become distracted and lose track of what they're doing. They may also have difficulties organizing their thoughts and following instructions. Hyperactivity is often a sign of ADHD. It could be characterized by excessive fidgeting or speaking. Impulsivity refers to the tendency to act without thinking about consequences, or to seek instant gratification.
Some people suffering from ADHD may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They might also be frequently criticized by other people for their lack of attention and indiscreetness. Low self-esteem, depression or anxiety can also be felt by people suffering from ADHD. The challenges people with ADHD face can increase throughout their lives, such as when they move out of the home they grew up in and into school or work. New stressors, like relationship problems, financial pressures and expectations of parents can also affect them.
If you think you might have ADHD, it is important to speak with your GP. They can assist you in deciding whether an NHS ADHD assessment would be helpful and recommend a service that is suitable for your needs. This could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
During the consultation process the doctor will take an in-depth account of your past and current problems and inquire about your family and social life. They will also conduct an examination to rule out other conditions, such as anxiety and depression. They will also review any previous reports, assessments, or medication.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that ADHD services are struggling to cope with the demand and waiting lists for assessment are lengthy. In content to comprehend the magnitude of the problem, we sent FOI requests to each NHS trust in England which runs ADHD services. We found that on average, people are waiting more than six months for an appointment.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults
Unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause problems for adults that are even more difficult than the children's. They may struggle with relationship issues, career challenges and a general feeling of underachievement. They may have difficulty keeping their job and adhering to corporate rules or meeting deadlines. They may also not be able to manage their finances properly and get into debt because of their impulsive spending. They may have trouble staying healthy because of a poor diet or inability to focus for long periods of time.
It can be harder for adults suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated as children, mainly because medical experts may have preconceived notions about what people suffering from the condition appear like. This is particularly true if the person is of color, was not a female at birth, or doesn't speak English natively. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD can be more likely to suffer from mental health problems that mimic the symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
Adult ADHD is characterised by a sense of restlessness and an inability or unwillingness to sit still. Adults suffering from this condition can also be stressed and anxious frequently which causes them to feel overwhelmed by daily situations. In addition, they may have difficulty controlling their emotions and might suffer from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, as well as mood fluctuations.
In certain instances, people with ADHD may not realise they have problems until they reach adulthood and are afflicted with increased levels of stress and demand. The symptoms may not be evident until they leave school or parents' homes and could persist to cause problems when they begin to take on new roles in their work and life.
Nice has approved a digital test in an effort to cut down on the time required to receive an NHS ADHD assessment. It will be accessible to psychiatrists and specialist children's doctors in England to assess between six and 17 years old. The QbTest is able to determine if an infant or young child has the three main characteristics of ADHD which are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It can improve outcomes for children with ADHD by reducing the amount of time it takes to identify the disorder.
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
If your child's problems are serious enough to cause an impact on his or her daily functioning You can seek out your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. You can then receive an assessment by a specialist that includes both your mental health and ADHD. Psychiatrists or nurses can prescribe medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
The assessment should be semi-structured in order to allow for the elicitation of symptom and impairment information which is crucial in determining ADHD. The assessment should contain open-ended, honest questions that encourage a candid response. The assessor should employ real-life scenarios to get a deeper understanding than the "snapshot" impression of the patient. It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments and other criteria are fully investigated.
It is essential to check for any other mental disorders, especially ones that be akin to ADHD symptoms or are often comorbid with depression, for example bipolar disorder. It is also essential to investigate if there is a past of substance abuse or eating disorders, as they could have a major impact on the result of an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if not treated.
The NHS assessment process is often lengthy and exhausting for people with ADHD. It is usually caused by the lack of clarity on the criteria for assessment and also the fact that many healthcare professionals have preconceived notions regarding what someone suffering from ADHD "looks like.". This can lead to people be incorrectly diagnosed or not diagnosed at any or even to unacceptable long waiting lists for assessments.
After the test the results should be clearly documented in a written report that explains whether or not the ADHD assessment criteria have been satisfied. The report should also include a formulation of the diagnosis and a discussion of the next steps (usually a referral back to your GP for shared management). This could include a review of the available medication options. The assessment is only the first step in the management journey. It is also essential to address the psychosocial and educational aspects of ADHD in the post-diagnosis discussion as recommended by NICE.