ADHD Assessment in the UK
A complete diagnostic evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis. This will involve screening questionnaires distributed prior to, an interview with you, ideally someone who has a good understanding of you since childhood, analysis of historic school reports (if available) and a full psychiatric consultation.
The NHS has guidelines to follow in order to make an ADHD assessment. However, many opt to go through private healthcare providers to speed up the process and avoid lengthy waiting lists.
What is ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a chance for a healthcare professional to listen to you and understand your issues. You will meet with a senior psychiatrist to discover the root of the issue and how it could be impacting on your life. They will evaluate you using a variety of tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also consider any family history of mental health problems and your past experiences. The psychiatrist will then be able to confirm the existence of any of the three major subtypes you may have.
The specialist will also confirm the absence of any other medical or psychological conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. This is important as if you are misdiagnosed with ADHD your symptoms may not improve. The specialist will also assess the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities, using the same criteria that an NHS specialist would use.
It is recommended to make an inventory of any questions or concerns you may have prior to the time. This will ensure that your needs are fulfilled and that nothing is overlooked. You should also make notes of any issues you are experiencing. this content will be able to remember these issues better when you record them. It will also make the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis more effective.
Bring any relevant documents to your appointment. This could include performance evaluations you receive from your job, or old report cards from school. You can also aid the specialist by bringing in any documents you may have that prove how ADHD has affected your life.
You may be asked to fill out pre-screening questionnaires before your appointment. You can access them by logging into your portal dashboard. They are generally available for you to fill out prior to your appointment with the psychiatrist. You should do this as soon as you can, because it will reduce your waiting time.
How do I get an ADHD assessment?
A diagnosis of ADHD is often the first step in getting the support and help you need. In the UK doctors are unable to diagnose ADHD. However they are able to refer a patient to a psychiatrist.
The NHS will cover an ADHD assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. It will take between 45 and 90 minutes. You will be asked questions about your general mental health, the mental health history of your family members and your symptoms. The doctor will also examine any other psychological or medical conditions that could contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing.
Your specialist will also ask you whether you've experienced similar issues. The current diagnostic guidelines state that ADHD is only diagnosed as an adult if symptoms have been present from childhood.
If you've experienced these symptoms since becoming an adult your doctor will inquire whether your symptoms have improved over time. They will also examine any other factors that may cause your symptoms, such as anxiety and stress. They might also suggest that you try an online group-based ADHD education and support program or suggest alternative treatments like cognitive behaviour therapy.
If you're having trouble accessing an NHS-funded ADHD assessment, you can take advantage of your Right to Choose if you live in England. You can opt to have your assessment privately when 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 prepare a comprehensive report for you to bring to your GP and will discuss any recommended medications or other treatment options with you. If you request, they'll also provide recommendation letter to your school or work place. The cost will vary based on the time it takes to prepare the letter.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
A psychiatric evaluation is the first step in an ADHD assessment. Your doctor will review your symptom history and ask questions about your health, development, family and lifestyle. They will also utilize standard questionnaires which will be sent to you beforehand. They will also interview other people, including spouses, siblings or parents and may also ask friends and teachers for their opinions too. The interviews aren't meant to criticise, but rather to discover other causes that might be causing symptoms, like anxiety or depressive disorders.
During the interview, your doctor may look at any documents you bring with them, such as copies of previous psychological tests or old school reports. The assessor will also spend time talking with the person who knows you best for example, siblings, spouses or parent. This is to collect information about your childhood experiences, as you might have forgotten some details or the behaviours might have changed as you got older.
The psychiatrist will also analyse 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 look at any other information from your past, such as old school records or a neurological or medical examination. This is to make sure that you meet the standard 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 symptoms established over the same time period.
Once they have gathered all relevant information Your psychiatrist will conduct an in-person clinical interview with you. They will then consider all the information they have collected and determine if you exhibit the signs of ADHD. This usually involves going 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 psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD, they will submit a report to 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 option of choosing your healthcare provider. If you do not want to wait for an ADHD assessment from the NHS You can visit your own personal doctor.
What happens after an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help you access treatment, and it can also reduce feelings of doubt and confusion about your symptoms.
If you suspect that your child or you are suffering from ADHD The first step is to discuss it with a GP. They can refer you to a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist, who are the only healthcare professionals qualified in the UK to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients may have to wait months for an appointment. Many choose to go private.
Once you've been recommended for an assessment the child or you will be interviewed in person by your physician. 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, such as coaches, teachers, or daycare providers. This is not a way to verify your answers but to learn how your symptoms affect your child or different situations.
The doctor may also utilize rating scales to determine if you experience specific symptoms such as restlessness and trouble staying focused. This will help determine if you meet the standardized criteria for ADHD. They will also determine whether you suffer from any other issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders. If you have an ancestor with ADHD, it is worth telling your physician about this also, since there are genetic influences on whether or not you develop the condition.
Your clinician will prepare an extensive report that you can present to your GP after the psychiatric evaluation. It will include a complete diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
If you are an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD Your GP might suggest a trial of medication. If the medication works you should inform the DVLA and your insurance company, as you will need to update your driver's licence. If you are parents of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, your therapist could recommend that you attend a parenting group to learn how to manage the disorder together. This can improve your relationship with your child and help you become a more confident parent.