ADHD Assessment in the UK
A complete diagnostic evaluation is necessary for a correct diagnosis. This will include screening questionnaires that are sent out prior to and an interview with you, an individual who has a good understanding of you since childhood, a review of historical school reports (if available) and a full psychiatric consultation.
The NHS has specific guidelines for ADHD tests. Many people choose to visit an individual healthcare provider in order to expedite the process and avoid lengthy waiting lists.
What is an ADHD assessment?
A healthcare professional will listen to your concerns and help you comprehend them by conducting an ADHD assessment. You will be working with a senior psychiatrist to discover the root of the issue and how it might be impacting your life. They will assess your condition using a variety of tools, including symptom checklists or behaviour rating scales. They will also take into account any family history of mental health issues as well as your previous experiences. The psychiatrist will then be able to determine the existence of any of the three major subtypes you may have.
The specialist will also rule-out any other mental or medical disorders that could be similar to the symptoms ADHD. This is very important since if a different condition is mistakenly attributed to ADHD the patient could be misdiagnosed and the symptoms of ADHD may not improve. The expert will also evaluate the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning by with the same criteria an NHS specialist would employ.
It is an excellent idea to create your list of questions or concerns you're facing ahead of time. This can help ensure that all of your requirements are met and that nothing is left unanswered. It is also recommended to take a note of any specific issues you've been experiencing. Noting them down will aid in remembering them, and make the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis faster and more efficient.
It is also recommended to bring any relevant documents with you to your appointment. This can include any performance evaluations from your work, or old report cards from school. If you have any medical or educational records that could be used to illustrate the impact of ADHD on your life, these are helpful for the specialist to have also.
You might also be asked to complete questionnaires for pre-screening prior to your appointment. You can access these by logging in to your portal dashboard. They are usually available for you to fill out prior to your appointment with your psychiatrist. You should do this as soon as you can as it can reduce your wait time.
How do I get an ADHD assessment?
A diagnosis of ADHD may be the first step towards getting the help and support you require. In the UK, GPs cannot diagnose ADHD but can refer for an assessment to a psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals in the country who are qualified to make the diagnosis (and prescribe medication if necessary).
The NHS will cover an ADHD assessment with a psychologist or psychiatrist. It will take between 45 to 90 minutes. You will be asked questions about your general mental health and your family's mental health history and the symptoms you are experiencing. The specialist will also consider any other psychological or medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Your specialist will also inquire if you've ever had similar problems. The current diagnostic guidelines indicate that ADHD is only diagnosed as an adult when symptoms have been present from childhood.
If you've been experiencing these symptoms since you were a teenager, your specialist will ask whether your symptoms have improved over time. They will also consider any other factors that could influence your symptoms, like stress and anxiety. They might also suggest that you take an online group-based ADHD support and education programme or offer referrals for other treatments like cognitive behaviour therapy.
If you're having trouble getting an NHS-funded ADHD assessment, you can use your Right to Choose if you live in England. You can decide to have your assessment privately when the NHS wait time is too long or you don't want to wait at all. Private assessments are more costly, but they give you direct treatment. Your specialist will prepare an extensive report for you to bring to your GP and will discuss any recommended medications or other treatment options with you. If requested, they'll also send a recommendation letter to your school or work place. The cost can vary depending on the amount of time required to write the letter.
What happens during a ADHD assessment?
An ADHD evaluation begins with a psychiatric consultation. Your doctor will review your symptoms history and ask questions about your health, development and family life. They will also send you standard questionnaires. They will also want to interview other people, like parents, siblings, spouses or spouses and may also ask friends teachers, coaches or other colleagues to share their thoughts as well. These interviews are not intended to criticise you, but to identify other factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
During the interview, your doctor may look at any documents you bring, like the results of previous psychological tests or old school reports. The evaluator may also spend some time with someone who is familiar with you such as your spouse, sibling or parent. This is primarily to gather information on your childhood experiences as you may have forgotten some details or the behaviours might have changed with age.
The psychiatrist will also analyze the information you've provided in the standardised questionnaires prior your appointment, so they will have a clear picture of your symptoms. They will also examine any other historical data such as school records from the past or a neurological or medical exam. 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 symptoms that have been established during the same time.
After they have gathered all the relevant information the psychiatrist will conduct a clinical interview with you. The psychiatrist will go over all the information collected to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. This means evaluating your symptoms by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD, they will prepare a report for your GP. The GP will determine 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 want to wait to get an ADHD assessment from the NHS you can consult your own private clinician.
What happens following an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis can transform your life. It can allow you to access treatment and help reduce confusion and self-doubt about your symptoms.
The first thing you need to do if you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD is to talk to an GP. They may refer you to a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist, who are the only healthcare professionals who are certified in the UK to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients might have to wait months for a referral. Many opt to seek out private treatment.
After you've been referred to an assessment, your clinician will conduct an interview with you or your child in person. The interview will cover subjects like development, health family history, development, and lifestyle. The doctor may also ask you to speak to other individuals such as teachers or daycare providers. This isn't a way to verify your answers, but to learn more about the way your symptoms impact you or your child in various situations.
The doctor will also utilize rating scales to determine if you experience specific symptoms like restlessness and difficulty staying focused. This will help determine if you meet the standardized criteria for ADHD. They will also determine if there are any other issues that you might have such as depression or anxiety disorders. It is important to tell your clinician if you have an history of ADHD in your family. Genetics can impact whether you develop the disorder.
Following the psychiatric examination, your clinician will draft a detailed report for you to take to your GP. The report will include a thorough diagnosis and a treatment recommendation.
If you are an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your GP may suggest a trial of medication. If the medication is effective, you need to tell your insurance company as well as the DVLA, because you will be required to renew your driving licence. If how do you get assessed for adhd 're a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, your therapist might suggest that you attend an adult group to learn how to manage the disorder with your child. This can improve your relationship with your child and help you become more confident and a better parent.