ADHD Assessments in the UK
ADHD symptoms can impact your life and work. A diagnosis can help you know your issues and find ways to deal with the symptoms.
In iampsychiatry can receive an NHS ADHD assessment from your GP. This involves a frank conversation about your issues and could include a questionnaire or a screener.
What is ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a thorough assessment of the symptoms that could indicate ADHD may be a sign of. The assessment involves gathering information from various sources, including medical background and observations from family, friends members, and teachers. The assessment could also include neuropsychological tests that provide greater insight into strengths, weaknesses and help identify comorbid disorders.
The NHS currently has a process that allows patients to ask for an ADHD assessment from the health service provider of their choice. This allows a more personalized approach to mental health, and can be beneficial for those who have difficulty waiting for NHS appointments.
However, the NHS has a bureaucracy, which means that patients sometimes have to wait for a long time before they are examined. This can be extremely difficult for adults and children with symptoms of the disease. This is why private organizations provide an alternative to the NHS for those in need of an evaluation.
During the evaluation, a certified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will listen to the patient's story and observe their behavior in various contexts. They will ask questions about their work as well as school and personal life and whether the problems are caused by ADHD or another disorder, like depression or anxiety disorder. They will then use the data they have collected to form an image of the person's difficulties and make an assessment.
The clinician will also review the patient's past medical history to see if there are any factors that may be causing their ADHD symptoms. Certain individuals may be prone to ADHD and have been experiencing symptoms since childhood. Some may also suffer from a medical condition such as thyroid disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
It is important to be honest with your physician during the assessment. It can be hard to admit that you're having trouble staying focused and organized but it is crucial to ensure that you receive the right treatment. Patients who do not receive treatment for ADHD may suffer severe consequences, such as not meeting deadlines for work or failing classes, which can lead to financial or social problems.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist with expertise in ADHD will usually conduct an ADHD assessment. They can offer you or your child a diagnosis and treatment options.
During the assessment, the healthcare professional will review the medical history of you and your symptoms. They will also ask about the way your symptoms affect your social and professional lives, as well as whether they are triggered by any other conditions. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health issues especially if one of your relatives has been diagnosed with ADHD.
Then you will be asked to fill in the symptom checklist. This will allow the healthcare professional to identify whether you are experiencing a predominantly inattentive presentation, a predominately hyperactive-impulsive presentation or a combined presentation. Generally, you will need at least six established symptoms of either inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. Children will require more symptomology to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis.
Next, the healthcare professional will ask you or your child regarding their behavior and how it affects their daily activities. They will also ask you about any other issues you or your child may be suffering from, like anxiety disorders or difficulties with learning.
The healthcare professional may recommend additional diagnostic tests in light of the results of your interview and questionnaire. This could include a brain scan or blood tests to check for any medical cause of your or your child's symptoms.
If your GP believes that you or your child have ADHD and they are concerned, they will refer you to an expert psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist to conduct a formal assessment. The NHS route to getting an ADHD diagnosis is completely free however, it may take longer than the private method. Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can prove beneficial in many ways, such as allowing you to seek accommodations at work or in school that can improve your performance and simplify your life. This could include things like a quiet workplace and extra time during tests or being allowed to use your lunch break to go to an appointment with your doctor.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
In general, it can take as long as three hours for a psychiatrist to complete an ADHD assessment. This includes one-on-one interviews, examining questionnaires (rate the frequency and how severe you're experiencing symptoms) and an observational test of your behaviour and, if needed, an observational test. It's best to be prepared by keeping a diary of your symptoms and answering the questionnaires prior to your appointment. This allows your appointment to run smoothly and ensures that crucial information is not lost.
During the interview, your consultant will inquire about your daily routine and your mental health history and any mental health issues that you or your children might have. They will also consider whether or not you've been diagnosed with ADHD which could affect the type and dosage of medication prescribed. Bring your partner or children along to the appointment. They might have useful information.
It is important to be honest with the examiner and respond to questions in a professional manner. It can be a difficult process, particularly for adults, however honesty is key to ensuring the most accurate diagnosis. Many patients report certain symptoms but not others. This can have an impact on the results of the assessment. This can lead to a wrong diagnosis and an unsuitable treatment plan.
The length of your evaluation will be determined by the amount of background information you must provide. The longer your test is in case you have a complex medical or psychiatric background.
If you're examined by a specialist, they will write a comprehensive ADHD assessment report and with your consent, send it to your GP. This can aid your GP better understand the condition and provide you with the best treatment. We also offer assistance and advice between appointments through email or phone calls of a short duration. This service is at no cost. If you require a letter for your school or workplace there will be an additional charge.
What happens following an ADHD evaluation?
Prior to your appointment, we'll send you the appropriate forms for you to complete. The forms will include a self-report rating of your symptoms, questions about family history and a complete medical and psychiatric questionnaire. These forms allow us to keep to a schedule and allow the psychiatrist the time they require to evaluate your condition for ADHD. Please fill out these forms prior your appointment so that the psychiatrist may examine them prior to meeting you.
Your assessment will be carried out by a specialist psychiatrist, or psychologist. Only these professionals are qualified in the UK to diagnose ADHD and are not general practitioners who might discuss issues with you, but are not able to formal request an assessment. Your assessment is likely to take place via video-call, but in some instances you may be able meet your clinician in person.
During the ADHD assessment, you'll be questioned about your current symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It is crucial to tell the truth and try to recall the symptoms you may have experienced in childhood. This is because, as per current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD it is believed that the diagnosis of ADHD in adults is only confirmed if there were symptoms in childhood.
You might be asked for information about your job, your relationships and other aspects in your daily life. This allows your psychiatrist to get a complete picture of your challenges to make an informed decision about whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if you are diagnosed with ADHD. They can suggest medication, CBT and other treatments to manage the condition. They will also be in a position to discuss possible side effects with you.
A diagnosis from a professional of ADHD can be a major relief for a lot of people. It can help ease feelings of confusion or self-doubt by confirming the ADHD is the reason for your problems, and not some personal failure. It can also help your family members understand your struggles more, and build empathy for you.