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ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extremely thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment, and will rule out other conditions such as thyroid or depression. They may also request old school reports or other supporting evidence.
It is vital that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is the case for psychiatrists and GPs alike.
Waiting at various times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years for an appointment with a psychiatrist. The condition is recognized as a serious mental disorder that can have an impact on the daily lives of people. The situation is even worse in certain regions, with waiting times as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The problem is made worse by the growing awareness of the condition and the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep pace with the demand, and a lot of patients are opting to seek treatment from private healthcare providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to select private health providers.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in various parts of the country. It has seen an explosion in the number of adults seeking an assessment, and exceeds its capacity at present. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in dealing with adults, and are better equipped to recognize the subtleties of ADHD. They are also more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety, which can often be present with ADHD.
Many people are worried about the quality of private assessments and the possibility for them to overdiagnose a condition. The issue came to the public's attention when a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the way in which some private clinics were giving diagnoses without due process. Some have accused the program of propagating stigma and stereotypes about people suffering from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended however, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some of those who need this help are being forced to seek it privately and the NHS should come up with ways to address the issue. If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD, try a free screening through an organization or charity, or pay for an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess you. They are usually less expensive than the NHS however they will not issue the prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is important to seek a diagnosis when you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. An accurate diagnosis will allow you to take steps to manage your symptoms, including medication. You may also be recommended to a psychiatrist additional therapy. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and titration. These clinics are generally familiar with the vast range of adults with ADHD which includes both genders. They also screen for co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they are typically much quicker than NHS waiting times. Typically, you will pay for the initial assessment and then have follow-up appointments as needed. These appointments will be covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who have been trained and have a special interest ADHD. The initial appointment will typically involve clinical interviews and rating scales. You could also be required to complete questionnaires, and then referred for further tests, such as an MRI.
A private clinic will charge you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes both assessment time as well as the cost of titration. Certain private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and this may be less expensive. However the process of titration is longer and requires more appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited for three years for an NHS evaluation, before going to a clinic in desperation. The BBC investigation revealed a number instances in which patients received the diagnosis of ADHD and then withdrawn. This is a serious issue because it can be very distressing for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed and prescribed medication that has adverse side effects.
In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and covers the initial assessment and the titration. The majority of health insurance companies will cover these tests, but it's important to check with your insurance provider to determine if your policy does.
Referral to specialist clinics
If your GP refers to a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask questions and conduct a clinical evaluation. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they are in line with the criteria for diagnosis. They will also search for co-morbidities, or any other mental health conditions. These include depression and anxiety. The doctor will discuss with you the options for treatment, including medication if necessary.
During the test during the assessment, you will be asked questions about your family history and your current issues at home and work. They will also inquire about any medications that you're taking. The interview will be planned and you can bring your family member or friend to help you understand the information. It typically takes a few visits to arrive at the diagnosis. Some clinics will offer an extensive evaluation, whereas others will only look at specific symptoms.
The Panorama investigation into the poor provision of ADHD services in the NHS has brought it to the fore. The undercover reporter on the show was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, but his GP claimed that he did not have ADHD. The BBC claimed that the report was a case of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However doctors are only able to refer patients to further investigation or prescribe medication in accordance with strict guidelines.
Many GPs are unwilling to sign an agreement to share healthcare with the NHS. This is the only way for them to transfer the patient's care to the NHS after a private diagnoses. This is because they feel that they're not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Also, GPs should be aware that many private psychiatrists will not prescribe medications, which could make it difficult for their patients to receive the treatment they need.
Request your GP to refer you to an ADHD assessment in the event that they haven't yet. You can determine your estimated waiting time either by calling the local mental health service or by using the Right To Choose site. The site lets you choose an online ADHD assessment service that will be offered by NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Achieving an ADHD diagnosis can be life changing. It not only helps people understand themselves better, but it also helps them as well as their family and friends better assist them. It also assists them to determine the best treatment strategy. It's not always easy to get an assessment. Especially in the UK where people have to wait for a long time for an assessment from the NHS. This can cause anxiety for many people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you can't wait, you can self-refer to psychiatrists who specialize in private evaluation. It will help you be able to save time and avoid having to go to your GP. This is not a quick process and can take months but it will provide you with an accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. You should make sure that the person who is conducting your test is either a psychologist or psychiatrist, because they are the sole healthcare professionals in the UK who are certified to determine ADHD.
A private assessment could include an interview with psychiatrist. Questions will be asked about your mental health, childhood history and other aspects. The doctor will utilize rating scales to inquire about your current challenges at school, at work or in relationships. They will also talk about any other signs you may have that could indicate the presence of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then send a how much is private adhd assessment comprehensive ADHD report to your GP with your permission. If necessary, they'll also prescribe medication. They can also help you in obtaining other forms of help, like studying skills and mentoring. If you are a student, they will assist you with applying for Disabled Students Allowance.
While it's not ideal to take short cuts, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. Some people try to save money by using online assessments or private clinics that offer quick appointments and little or no clinical expertise. These shortcuts should be avoided. However, those suffering from ADHD should still seek out a diagnosis if they can afford it.