ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough diagnostic assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis. This includes screening questions that are sent out in advance, an interview with yourself and ideally someone you've known well from your childhood, analysis of old school reports (if they are available), and a full consultation.
The NHS has guidelines to be followed for an ADHD assessment. However, many people choose to use a private healthcare provider to accelerate the process and avoid long waiting lists.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is an opportunity for an expert in healthcare to listen to you and understand your issues. You will be working with a qualified psychiatrist to discover what's happening and how it could be impacting your life. They will evaluate you using various tools, including symptom checklists or behaviour rating scales. They will also look at any family history and past experiences with mental health issues. The psychiatrist will then be able to confirm which of the three main subtypes you might have.
The doctor will also rule out any other mental or medical disorders that could be similar to the symptoms ADHD. This is vital because if a condition is mistaken for ADHD it could mean that you are misdiagnosed and the symptoms of ADHD might not improve. The specialist will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and how these affect your daily life by using the same criteria as an NHS specialist.
It is an excellent idea to create an inventory of any questions or concerns that you may have prior to the time. This can help ensure that all your requirements are met and that nothing is missed. You should also make notes of any issues you're experiencing. You can remember these things better by writing them down. It will also make the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis more efficient.
Bring any relevant documentation to your appointment. You can bring old school or work report cards or even performance evaluations. You can also aid the expert by bringing any documents you have that demonstrate how ADHD has affected your life.
You may be asked to fill out screening questions prior to your appointment. They can be accessed by logging into your portal dashboard and will usually be available to fill in before you meet with your psychiatrist. It is recommended to do this as soon as you can, because it will reduce the time you wait.
How do I get an ADHD assessment?
If you or your child are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and you are unable to determine the cause, a diagnosis could be the first step towards receiving the help and support you need. In the UK the GP cannot diagnose ADHD however they can refer an assessment to a psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals in the nation who are qualified to make the diagnosis (and prescribe medication if necessary).
An NHS-funded ADHD assessment will be with an expert psychiatrist or psychologist and will usually take 45-90 minutes. You will be asked questions regarding your mental health as well as your family's history of mental health and the symptoms you are experiencing. The specialist will also consider any other medical and psychological issues that could contribute to your symptoms.
Your doctor will also inquire whether you've had similar problems. This is because current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD state that you will only be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult if your symptoms have been present since the age of.
If you've experienced these symptoms since adulthood your doctor will inquire whether your symptoms have improved over time. They will also consider any other factors that may influence your symptoms, such as stress and anxiety. They might also suggest that you join an online group-based ADHD education and support program or suggest other therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy.
If you are having difficulty getting an NHS-funded ADHD assessment, you are able to use your Right to Choose when you live in England. You can choose to have your assessment privately in the event that the NHS wait time is too long or you do not want to wait at all. Private assessments are more expensive but they give you direct treatment. Your specialist will write complete reports that you can take to your GP and will discuss any recommended medications or other treatment options with you. If requested, they will also send a recommendation letter your workplace or school. This could be an additional expense dependent on the amount of time required to write the letter.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
A psychiatric examination is the first step in an ADHD assessment. Your doctor will ask questions about your health, lifestyle family, development, and lifestyle. They will also utilize standard questionnaires which will be sent to you prior to your appointment. They might also request opinions from teachers, friends coaches, spouses, or even coaches. The interviews aren't designed to criticize, but to discover other causes that might be causing symptoms, such as anxiety or depressive disorders.
During the interview, your doctor will review any documents you bring with them, such as the results of previous psychological tests or old school reports. The assessor will also spend time talking to the person who knows you best for example, your spouse, sibling or parent. This is to gather information about your childhood because you may have forgotten certain details or that your behaviours might have changed over time.
The psychiatrist will also review any information you've given on the standardised questionnaires before your appointment, so they will have a clear picture of your symptoms. They will also review any other historical data such as old school records or a neurological or medical examination. This is to make sure 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 show at least five signs that have been identified within the same timeframe.
Your psychiatrist will then conduct a psychiatric interview in person with you after gathering all the relevant details. The psychiatrist will review all the information gathered to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. This usually involves reading through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) rating scales to determine if your symptoms match the criteria.
If your doctor determines that you do suffer from ADHD They will submit a report to your GP. The GP will determine a treatment plan that could 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 preferred healthcare provider, which means you can access your own private physician for an ADHD assessment if you do not want to wait for the NHS.
What happens after an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis could change your life. It can help you access treatment and help reduce doubt and confusion about your symptoms.
If you suspect that you or your child may suffer from ADHD, the first step is to speak with your GP. how to get a adhd assessment may refer you to a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist, who are the only healthcare professionals certified in the UK to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients have to wait months for an appointment, which is why many opt to seek out private therapy instead.
Once you have been referred for an assessment, the doctor will conduct an interview with you or your child in person. The interview will include topics such as development, 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 isn't a way to verify your answers, but to discover more about the way your symptoms impact your child or you in different situations.
The doctor may also utilize rating scales to determine if you experience specific symptoms like restlessness or difficulty staying focused. This will determine if you are in line with the criteria for ADHD. They will also determine if there are any other problems that you may be suffering from like depression or anxiety disorders. It is important to tell your doctor if you have a family history of ADHD in your family. Genetics can impact the likelihood of developing the disorder.
After the psychiatric evaluation the doctor will draft a detailed report for you to take to your GP. The report will contain the full diagnosis as well as a 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 the medication is effective you must inform your insurance company as well as the DVLA in order to need to update your driving license. Your therapist may suggest that you and your child take an educational class for parents to learn together how to manage ADHD. This will improve your relationship with your child, and assist you in becoming a more confident and understanding parent.