ADHD Assessment - Is it Time For Adults to Get a Diagnosis?
ADHD services in the UK are at a crossroads. There is an increase in awareness of the condition, but the lack of resources and long waiting time.
GPs can communicate symptoms and answer questions, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or refuse the diagnosis of a specialist clinician. This is a decision only a psychiatrist is able to make.
What is an ADHD assessment?
ADHD is a complicated disorder and accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination by an experienced specialist. The person evaluating you will examine your symptoms and ask you questions and then compare them with current diagnostic guidelines. They also look for possible explanations for your symptoms, such as a co-occurring mental health condition. Thorough evaluations take a few hours and could require more than one appointment with the specialist.
You must be honest in answering questions so that your doctor can assess your symptoms. It is important to note that a diagnosis of ADHD cannot be confirmed without considering your history, particularly as a teenager or child. Your doctor will ask you questions about your past experiences and behavior, as well as assess your current symptoms.
You will be required to fill out questionnaires and other tests, like ratings scales and cognitive assessments. It is helpful to carry copies of these with you as they will be used by your physician to assist in the assessment process. Your doctor can also provide information from your medical record.
Remember that the NHS isn't as big and can be slow in getting an assessment. If you visit your GP and express concern that you might have ADHD the doctor should take this seriously and recommend an assessment.
If your GP decides that you do not fit the criteria for ADHD, they will explain why. It's often because another condition like anxiety or depression better describes the symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that you can request a confidential assessment if you aren't satisfied with the results of your examination.
At the Adult ADHD Clinic, Dr Cubbin takes referrals from GPs via the Right to Choose scheme, and she's also willing to see patients privately. This means you can be assessed quickly and efficiently, avoiding the NHS waiting list. You can then discuss treatment options and begin to manage your symptoms, to ensure they don't interfere with your work life or relationships.
Why do I need to be evaluated for ADHD?
A diagnosis of ADHD can have a significant impact on a person. It can affect how people approach their relationships, work and family. Many adults who seek diagnosis feel relieved to finally understand why they struggled in school and later as an adult. For others, a diagnosis can bring on a range of emotions and be difficult to deal with.
Getting an ADHD assessment is the first step towards understanding and managing your symptoms. The process can be a bit confusing for people who don't know where to start, particularly with the long NHS waiting times and the cost of private assessments. This guide was created to assist.
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment is to speak to your GP. Your GP must consider your symptoms seriously and discuss them with you, asking questions about how they impact your life. They will ask whether you are suffering from other symptoms such as anxiety or depression. They may refer you to specialists in mental health, which is usually psychiatrists with training in neurodevelopmental disorders.
After you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will typically be asked to fill out some pre-screening forms prior to your appointment. These are accessible via your online portal dashboard. The questionnaires must be completed prior to the appointment to ensure that your psychiatrist has enough time to read them.
A psychiatrist will then conduct a thorough medical and psychiatric interview with you. They will ask you questions about your childhood as well as your family history and current symptoms. They may also request to interview other individuals like your spouse or children. During the interview the psychiatrist will be looking for signs of ADHD and also any other psychological or physical ailments you might have.
The psychiatrist will then decide whether or not you suffer from ADHD and what type of treatment is required. This will include discussion of psychosocial interventions as well as medication (if appropriate). assessment of adult adhd will write a report that will be sent to your GP detailing the findings of your assessment. They will then suggest a treatment plan, which can be negotiated between you and your GP.
How can I obtain an ADHD assessment?
Adults who want to address ADHD symptoms might be frustrated by the fact that obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS can take as long as two years. If you're ready to cut down on the NHS wait time there are a variety of private options.
It's important to familiarise yourself with the symptoms and traits of adult ADHD before you schedule an appointment to ensure that you are prepared. You can also write down specific examples from your personal life to discuss during the assessment.
You will also be asked to rate the severity of your symptoms in different situations, and provide examples of how they've affected your personal, professional or familial life. These tests are designed to pinpoint any potential issues and determine whether or not you have ADHD. The psychiatrist will create an assessment report and then discuss with you what you may need to take care of. This may include any treatment recommendations.
If you are suffering from ADHD, a correct diagnosis can help improve your health and better how you manage your relationships and life. You can also avail various treatments and interventions that can help you manage the symptoms of adult ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy or medication.
To receive an ADHD assessment, you should first visit your GP to explain the reason you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be able take you seriously, and ask if you have any evidence, and suggest an assessment of diagnostics.
Private psychiatric assessments are typically performed by specialists who have extensive experience working with people with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD. They will also be familiar with assessing and treating issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you live in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and you are a resident of Northern Ireland, you can receive an ADHD assessment on the NHS through a 'Right To Choose' process. To be eligible you must see your GP and request a referral to Psych-UK Ltd under 'Right to Choose for an adult ADHD assessment and treatment plan.
What is the cost of an ADHD assessment?
If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD or other disorders, it might be time to speak with an expert. This will allow you to receive an accurate diagnosis which could result in better treatment and management of your ADHD symptoms.
You can only be diagnosed with ADHD following an extensive medical examination by a qualified healthcare provider such as psychologist or psychiatrist. These tests typically involve a detailed personal history and observations, and also feedback from family and friends.
During your consultation, your consultant psychiatrist may ask you questions about your medical and family history. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems that aid your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms, and how they impact your daily functioning.
After your consultation At the conclusion of your appointment, Dr Cubbin will prepare a comprehensive ADHD assessment report. Dr. Cubbin will forward the report on your ADHD assessment to your GP with your permission.
Some people prefer to pay privately for the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. This could be a great option if you're not certain whether your GP will accept the Shared Care Agreement, or should you not wish to wait on the NHS waiting list for an appointment. It is important to note that a private diagnoses does not mean that you'll automatically be eligible to receive benefits such as PIP (formerly Disability Living Allowance).
If you're thinking of getting an ADHD assessment, take our adult ADHD screener today to learn more about the condition and find out if it might be affecting your life. You can also download the letter from ADHD UK and present it to your GP, asking them to refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.