ADHD Assessment in the UK
A complete diagnostic assessment is essential for a precise diagnosis. This will include screening questions that are sent out in advance and an interview with you and, ideally, someone you know well from your childhood, analysis of old school reports (if they are available) and a comprehensive consultation.
The NHS has guidelines to follow in order to conduct an ADHD assessment. Many people prefer to visit a private healthcare provider to speed up the process, and avoid long waiting lists.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is an opportunity for medical professionals to listen to you and understand your difficulties. You will be working with an experienced psychiatrist to determine what is going on and how it could be impacting your daily life. They will evaluate you using various tools including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also look at any family history or previous experiences with mental health issues. The psychiatrist can then confirm which of the three main subtypes you may be suffering from.
The specialist will also determine if there are any other mental or medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is very important since if a different disorder is mistaken for ADHD it could mean that you are misdiagnosed and the symptoms of ADHD may not improve. The expert will also evaluate the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities using the same criteria an NHS specialist would use.
It is a good idea to prepare your list of questions or concerns that you're facing ahead of time. This will ensure that your needs are satisfied and that nothing is missed. You should also take a note about any difficulties you are experiencing. It is easier to remember these issues better if you write them down. It will also make the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis more efficient.
You should also bring any relevant documentation with you to your appointment. This could include any performance evaluations from your job, or old report cards from school. You can also aid the expert by bringing any documents you have that show how ADHD has affected your life.
You may be asked to fill in pre-screening questions before your appointment. They can be accessed through your portal dashboard, and will usually be available to fill out before you meet with the psychiatrist. This should be completed as soon as you can, as it will reduce the time you wait.
How can I obtain an ADHD assessment?
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, a diagnosis may be the first step towards getting the help and support you need. In the UK, doctors cannot diagnose ADHD. However, they can refer a patient for assessment to a psychiatrist.
The NHS will pay for an ADHD assessment with a psychologist or psychiatrist. It will take between 45 to 90 minutes. You will be asked questions about your mental health in general as well as the history of mental health of your family, and your symptoms. The specialist will also consider any other psychological and medical issues that could contribute to your symptoms.
Your doctor will also inquire whether you've had similar issues. This is because current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD indicate that you can be diagnosed with ADHD at the age of adulthood if your symptoms have been present since the age of.
If you've had these symptoms in your adult life your doctor will ask whether your issues have changed or worsened over the course of time. They will also look at any other factors that could influence your symptoms, such as anxiety and stress. They may also suggest that you take an online group-based ADHD support and education programme or suggest alternative treatments like cognitive behaviour therapy.
If you reside in England and are having difficulties accessing a NHS-funded ADHD evaluation, you can make use of your Right to Choose. This means that you have the option to take a private assessment if you are satisfied with the waiting time for an NHS assessment or if you want to avoid waiting. Private assessments are more expensive, however they provide direct treatment. Your specialist will write a comprehensive report for you to bring to your GP and will go over any recommended medication or other treatment options with you. If you request, they'll also send a recommendation letter your workplace or school. The cost will vary based on the time it takes to prepare the letter.
What happens during a ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment starts with a psychiatric consultation. Your doctor will ask questions regarding your lifestyle, health family, development, and lifestyle. They will also send you standardised questionnaires. They might also solicit opinions from your teachers, friends coaches, spouses, or even coaches. The interviews aren't designed to criticize, but to identify other factors which could be causing symptoms such as anxiety or depressive disorders.
During the interview, your doctor may look at any documents you bring in, like copies of previous psychological tests or old school reports. The evaluator will also spend time talking with the person who knows you best, such as your spouse, sibling or parent. This is to gather details about your childhood, because you may have forgotten some particulars or your behavior 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 a complete picture of your symptoms. They will also look at any other data from the past like old school reports or an exam for neurodevelopmental or medical conditions. This is to ensure that 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. Adults must have at least five signs that have been identified during the same time frame.
After they have gathered all the relevant information, your psychiatrist will conduct an in-person clinical interview with you. They will review the information they've collected and determine whether or not you have the symptoms of ADHD. This usually involves looking through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V) rating scales to determine if your symptoms fit the criteria.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will write a report to your GP. The GP will then decide on an appropriate treatment plan which could include pharmacological (medication) or psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you have a legal right to choose your preferred healthcare provider, which means you can access your own private clinician for an ADHD assessment should you not wish to wait for the NHS.
What happens after an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis could transform your life. It can assist you in obtaining treatment, and it could also reduce feelings of doubt and confusion about your symptoms.
assessment adhd need to do if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD is to consult with an GP. They can refer you to a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist, who are the only healthcare professionals qualified in the UK to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients might be waiting for months to receive an appointment. Many choose to go private.
Once you've been referred to an assessment and/or your child will be interviewed in person by your physician. The interview will cover topics such as health, development family history, lifestyle. The physician may also want to speak to others, such as coaches, teachers or daycare providers. This is not a way to verify your answers but to learn what your symptoms can do to your child or different situations.
The doctor will employ ratings scales to determine the frequency of specific symptoms such as anxiety or difficulty focusing. This will identify whether you meet the standardized criteria for ADHD. They will also inquire whether you suffer from any other issues, like depression and anxiety disorders. If you have an ancestor with ADHD, it is worth telling your physician about this as there are genetic influences on the likelihood of developing the disorder.
Following the psychiatric examination, your clinician will write up a comprehensive report that you can bring to your GP. It will include a complete diagnosis and a treatment recommendation.
If you've been diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, your GP may suggest that you try a medication. If the medication is effective and you are able to take it, you must inform the DVLA and your insurance company, as you will need to update your driver's licence. Your therapist may recommend that you and your child take a parenting class to learn together how to manage ADHD. This will improve your relationship with your child and help you become a more confident and understanding parent.