ADHD Assessment in the UK
A complete diagnostic assessment is required for a correct diagnosis. This will include screening questionnaires sent out beforehand, an interview with you and ideally someone who has been with you since childhood, a review of historical school reports (if available) and a full mental health consultation.
The NHS has guidelines to follow in order to conduct an ADHD assessment. Many people opt to consult a private healthcare provider in order to speed up the process, and avoid long wait lists.
What is an ADHD assessment?
A healthcare professional will listen to your concerns and assist you to understand them through an ADHD assessment. You will work with a qualified psychiatrist to determine what is going on and how it is affecting your life. They will assess you by using various tools such as symptoms checklists and scales of behaviour. They will also take into consideration any family history and past experiences of mental health problems. The psychiatrist can then confirm which of three main subtypes that you may have.
The specialist will also rule out any other psychological or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important as If you're misdiagnosed with ADHD, your symptoms may not improve. The specialist will also assess the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life using the same criteria an NHS specialist would apply.
Make a list ahead of time of any questions or concerns you may have. This will ensure that your requirements are met and that no need is left unanswered. You should also make notes of any issues you're having. It is easier to remember these issues better if you write them down. This will help in receiving an ADHD diagnosis more efficient.
It is also recommended to bring any relevant documentation with you to your appointment. This could include performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from school. You can also assist the expert by bringing any documents you may have that demonstrate how ADHD has affected your life.
You may be asked to fill out pre-screening questions prior to your appointment. These can be accessed when you log in to your portal dashboard. They are usually available to fill out before meeting with the psychiatrist. It is recommended to fill in the form as quickly as you can to reduce your waiting time.
How can I obtain an ADHD evaluation?
If you or your child are suffering from symptoms of ADHD being diagnosed could be the first step towards getting the help and support you need. In the UK the GP cannot diagnose ADHD however they can refer an assessment to a psychologist or psychiatrist who are the only healthcare professionals in the country who are qualified to determine the diagnosis (and prescribe medication if necessary).
The NHS will fund an ADHD assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. It will take between 45 to 90 minutes. You will be asked about your general mental health and the history of mental health of your family, and your symptoms. The specialist will also look at any other psychological and medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.
In addition to asking about your current symptoms, your doctor will ask if you have experienced similar issues in the past. Current diagnostic guidelines state that ADHD can only be diagnosed at the age of an adult if symptoms have been present since childhood.
If you've experienced these symptoms since adulthood, your specialist will ask whether your symptoms have improved over time. They will also examine any other factors that may affect your symptoms, like anxiety and stress. They might also suggest that you participate in a group-based ADHD education and support program or offer referrals for other therapies like cognitive behavior therapy.
If you reside in England and are having difficulty getting a NHS-funded ADHD evaluation, you can avail your Right to Choose. This means that you have the option to have a private assessment if are satisfied with the waiting time for an NHS assessment or if you'd like to avoid waiting altogether. Private assessments are more expensive, but they will provide you access to treatment. Your specialist will provide you with a comprehensive report that you can present to your GP. They will also discuss any other treatment options recommended with you. They will also provide recommendations to your school or workplace when requested. This can be an additional cost depending on the length of time it takes to prepare the letter.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
A psychiatric examination is the first step in an ADHD assessment. Your doctor will review your symptom history and ask you questions about your health, development, family and lifestyle. They will also use standard questionnaires which will be sent to you in advance. They might also request opinions from friends, teachers and coaches, as well as spouses. The interviews aren't meant to be a critique, but to determine other factors that might be causing symptoms, such as anxiety or depressive disorders.
During the interview, your doctor will examine any records you bring along for example, evaluations of your performance at work as well as copies of your previous psychological test results or even old school reports. The assessor will also spend time talking with the person who is the closest to you like a spouse, sibling or parent. This is to gather information about your childhood, since you might have forgotten some details or your behavior may have changed over time.
The psychiatrist will also analyze any information you've given in the standardised questionnaires prior your appointment, so they have an overview of your symptoms. They will also examine any other historical data such as old school records or a medical or neurological 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. For adults, this is at least five established symptoms during the same time.
After they have gathered all the relevant information the doctor will conduct a personal clinical interview with you. adhd assessment women will review the information gathered to determine if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms. This process usually involves looking through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V) rating scales to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria.
If your psychiatrist concludes that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will submit a report to your GP. The doctor will then decide on a treatment plan that may include pharmacological treatment (medication) and psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you have the right to choose your healthcare provider. If you don't wish to wait for an ADHD assessment from the NHS you can consult your own private doctor.
What happens after an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing. It can allow you to access treatment and also reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt about your symptoms.
The first thing to do if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD is to talk to an GP. They can refer you directly to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is the only UK healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients are able to wait for months for a referral, so many choose to go private instead.
After you've been referred for an assessment, the doctor will interview you or your child in person. The interview will cover subjects such as health, development, family history, and lifestyle. The doctor may request to speak to other individuals like teachers or daycare providers. This isn't meant to test your answers, but rather to discover more about how your symptoms impact your child or yourself in different situations.
The doctor will use ratings scales to determine the frequency of specific symptoms like trouble staying focused or restlessness. This will help determine if you are in line with the criteria for ADHD. They will also discuss whether there are any other problems that you might have, such as anxiety or depression. If you have an ancestral history of ADHD it is worthwhile telling your physician about this as there are genetic influences that affect the likelihood of developing the condition.
Following the psychiatric examination, your clinician will prepare a thorough report that you can take to your GP. This will include a detailed diagnosis as well as a treatment recommendation.
If you have been diagnosed as an adult suffering from ADHD If you have been diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, your GP may recommend that you try medication. If the medication works, you should tell the DVLA and your insurance company, since you'll need to update your driver's license. If you are a parent with one of your children who has been diagnosed with ADHD Your therapist may suggest that you attend a parenting group to learn how to manage the disorder with your child. This will improve your relationship with your child and help you become more confident and a better parent.