ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally a fairly comprehensive procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment and will rule out other conditions like thyroid issues or depression. They can also request old school records as well as other evidence.
It is essential that the person assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is true for psychiatrists as well as GPs.
Waiting times
In the UK adults who require an ADHD diagnosis are waiting for years to get an appointment with psychiatrists. This is despite the fact that ADHD is recognised as a serious mental health disorder and that it has major impact on the lives of people. The situation is more difficult in certain regions, with waiting times up to four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to help improve the situation.
The problem is exacerbated 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 lot of patients are opting to seek treatment from private clinics. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private health providers.
Psychiatry UK is one such service that provides an online ADHD assessment and medications for the NHS. It has seen an explosion in the number of people seeking an assessment, and is currently outpacing its capacity. People who opt to take the private route are usually more successful, since private psychiatrists are used to dealing with adults and will be more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression which are often associated in ADHD.
Many people are still worried about the quality of private assessments, and the potential for them to overdiagnose the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics have made diagnoses without following the proper process. Some have claimed that the program is propagating stigma and stereotypes about people with ADHD.
However the BBC should be praised for exposing the issue and highlighting the suffering of adults who need an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some people have to seek help privately. The NHS should find a way to address this issue. In the meantime, if you might be suffering from ADHD, you can try an assessment for free with a charity, or pay for an assessment from an individual psychiatrist. They are generally less expensive than the NHS but do not include prescriptions.
Second opinion
It is important to seek out a diagnosis if you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A proper diagnosis will help you manage your symptoms and prescribe medications. You may be referred to a psychiatrist for additional treatment. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and the ability to adjust. These clinics are usually very familiar with the vast range of adults who may have ADHD, including men and women. They are also able to test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments are expensive however, wait time for NHS services are significantly longer. You will typically pay for the initial assessment, and then arrange subsequent appointments if required. If you have insurance and coverage, it will cover these appointments. These appointments will be conducted in a professional manner by nurses who have been trained and have a specific interest in ADHD. Initial appointments usually include clinical interviews as well as rating systems. You may also be asked to answer questionnaires, and you might be referred for further tests like an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time and titration fees. Certain private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and this may be cheaper. The process of titration can take longer and requires more appointments.
The quality of private ADHD assessments has come under scrutiny after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient had spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before turning to an unofficial clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a number cases where patients received a diagnosis of ADHD, which was later taken off. This is a problem because it can be extremely stressful for patients to have their symptoms incorrectly identified, and some of them were prescribed medications that have negative side effects.
In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the titration. 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 refers to a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask questions and perform a clinical evaluation. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they match the diagnostic criteria for the condition. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that may be present. Often, these will be depression and anxiety. The doctor will discuss with you the here options for treatment and medications if needed.
During an assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at home and at work. They will also inquire about any medications you're taking. The interview will be structured and you can bring your family member or friend to help you with the information. The assessment will usually require several sessions to reach a diagnosis. Some clinics offer an entire evaluation, while others will focus on specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor service offered to patients with ADHD in the NHS has brought it to the fore. The reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while 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, GPs are only allowed to refer patients for further examination or prescribe medication if they follow strict guidelines.
Many doctors are reluctant to sign a contract for shared treatment with the NHS. This is the only way they can transfer the treatment of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnosis. They feel they are not experts on ADHD or psychiatry. GPs should also note that a lot of private psychiatrists will not prescribe medications, which could make it difficult for their patients to get the care they require.
If your GP hasn't recommended you for an ADHD assessment, ask them to do so. You should be able to find out the estimated waiting time by contacting your local mental health service or using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service which is provided by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It aids people in understanding themselves as well as their family and friends. It also assists them to determine the best treatment plan. However, getting an assessment isn't always straightforward. In the UK patients have to wait for a long time to receive an NHS assessment. This can cause frustration for many people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you're unable to wait, it is possible to self-refer for a private assessment by a qualified specialist psychiatrist. This will save you time and also a visit to your GP. This is a lengthy procedure that can take several months. However it will provide you with a more accurate diagnoses that those offered by the NHS. It is important to make sure that the person who conducts your assessment is a psychologist or psychiatrist since they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to assess ADHD in the UK.
A private evaluation could involve an interview with psychiatrists. There will be questions regarding your mental health, childhood history and other factors. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your struggles at work, at school, or in relationships. The doctor will also address other symptoms that could be indicative of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then send an extensive ADHD report to your GP with your permission. They may also prescribe medication if appropriate. They will also assist with other forms of support, including study skills and mentoring. If you're a student, they will assist you with applying for Disabled Students Allowance.
While it is not ideal to cut corners however, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. This means that there are some who try to cut the line through online assessments and private clinics that provide quick appointments, but offer no expertise in clinical practice. These methods are not recommended, but there's no reason to think that those suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment when they can afford it.