ADHD Assessment in the UK
A complete diagnostic evaluation is vital for a precise diagnosis. This includes screening questionnaires that are sent out prior to as well as an interview with you and at least one person who knows you well from childhood, a review of historical school reports (if available) and a complete psychiatric consultation.
The NHS has guidelines to be followed in order to make an ADHD assessment. Many people choose to go to an independent healthcare provider in order to expedite the process and avoid lengthy waiting lists.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is an opportunity for an expert in healthcare to listen to you and help you understand your issues. You will meet with a psychiatrist who is senior to discover the root of what is happening and how it is impacting your life. They will evaluate you using various tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also consider any family history of mental health problems and your previous experiences. The psychiatrist will then be able to confirm the existence of any of the three major subtypes of mental illness you may have.
The specialist will also determine if there are any other medical or psychological conditions that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. This is important as when you are misdiagnosed as having ADHD your symptoms may not improve. The specialist will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and how these affect your daily activities using the same criteria as an NHS specialist.
Prepare a list in advance of any concerns or questions you may have. This will help ensure that all your needs are covered, and that nothing is left unanswered. It is also a good idea to make notes of any particular difficulties you have been experiencing. It is easier to remember these issues better by writing them down. It will help in receiving an ADHD diagnosis more efficient.
Bring any relevant paperwork to your appointment. This could include any performance evaluations you receive from your job or old report cards from school. If you have any medical or educational records that could be used to illustrate the effect of ADHD on your life, these are useful for the specialist to have also.
You may be required to fill out pre-screening questionnaires before your appointment. These can be completed through your portal dashboard and will usually be ready to fill out prior to when you meet with the psychiatrist. This should be done as soon as you can to reduce the amount of time you'll wait.
How do I get an ADHD assessment?
A diagnosis of ADHD may be the first step in getting the help and support you require. In the UK the GP cannot diagnose ADHD but they can refer an assessment to a psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals in the nation who are qualified to determine the diagnosis (and prescribe medication if needed).
The NHS will fund an ADHD assessment with a psychologist or psychiatrist. This will take between 45 and 90 minutes. You will be asked questions about your general mental health, the mental health history of your family, and your symptoms. The doctor will also take into consideration any other psychological or medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.
In addition to asking about your present symptoms, your doctor will ask if you have suffered from similar problems in the past. This is because current diagnostic guidelines indicate that you can be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult if your symptoms have been present since the age of.
If you've had these symptoms since adulthood your doctor will inquire whether your symptoms have improved over time. They will also examine any other factors that may influence your symptoms, including anxiety and stress. They might also suggest that you join a group-based ADHD education and support program or refer you to other treatments, such as cognitive therapy for behavior.
If you are having difficulty accessing an NHS-funded ADHD assessment, you can make use of your Right to Choose If you reside in England. You can decide to take a private assessment in the event that the NHS wait time is too long or you don't want to wait around at all. Private assessments are more costly, but they give you direct treatment. Your specialist will provide you with a comprehensive report that you can take to your GP. They will also discuss any medication or other treatment options recommended with you. They can also provide recommendation letters to your school or workplace when requested. The cost can vary depending on the time it takes to write the letter.
What happens during a ADHD assessment?
An ADHD evaluation begins with a psychiatric consultation. Your doctor will go over your symptom history and ask you questions about your health, development, family and lifestyle. They will also use standardised questionnaires which will be sent to you prior to your appointment. They might also request opinions from teachers, friends, coaches, or spouses. The interviews are not designed to judge you, but to identify other factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
During the interview, your doctor may review any documents you bring, for example, copies of your previous psychological tests or old school reports. The evaluator will also spend time talking with the person who is the closest to you like a spouse, sibling or parent. This is to gather information on your childhood experiences, since you may have forgotten some details or the behaviours might have changed as you grew older.
The psychiatrist will also analyse the information you've provided in the standardised questionnaires prior your appointment, so they have an overview of your symptoms. They will also examine any other data from your past like old school records or a medical or neurological exam. This is to determine if you meet the standardized 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 means at least five symptoms that have been established over the same period of time.
After they have gathered all the relevant information, your psychiatrist will conduct a clinical interview with you. They will then review all the information they've collected and determine whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. This involves assessing your symptoms by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
If your doctor determines that you do suffer from ADHD The doctor will write a report for your GP. The GP will decide on a treatment plan that may include the use of pharmacological therapy (medication) and psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you have the legal right to select your own healthcare provider, so you can consult your own private physician to get an ADHD assessment if you do not want to wait for the NHS.
What happens after an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing. It can allow you to access treatment, and it can reduce the feeling of confusion and self-doubt about your symptoms.
If you suspect that your child or you are suffering from ADHD The first step is to speak with a GP. They can refer you directly to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is the only UK healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients might be waiting for months to receive an appointment. Many opt to go private.
Once you've been recommended for an assessment and/or your child will be interviewed in person by the clinician. The interview will include topics such as growth, health and family history, and lifestyle. The doctor may also ask you to speak to other people like teachers or daycare providers. This isn't a way to verify your answers, but to learn more about the way your symptoms impact your child or yourself in different situations.
The doctor will use scales of rating to determine the frequency of specific symptoms like restlessness or difficulty staying focused. This will determine if are in line with the criteria for ADHD. They will also determine whether you suffer from any other issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders. If you have a family history of ADHD it is worthwhile telling your physician about this also, since there are genetic influences on the likelihood of developing the condition.
Your doctor will prepare a comprehensive report that you can take to your GP following the psychiatric examination. The report will contain an extensive diagnosis and recommended treatment.
If you are an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your GP may suggest a trial of medication. If are adhd assessments covered by insurance is effective, you need to tell your insurance company as well as the DVLA as you will be required to renew your driving licence. Your therapist might suggest that you and your child go to a parenting class to study together how to manage ADHD. This can help improve your relationship with your child, and help you become a more confident and understanding parent.