ADHD Assessment - Is it Time For Adults to Get a Diagnosis?
ADHD services in the UK are at a crossroads. The condition is getting more well-known, however the resources are scarce and waiting times are long.
GPs are able to relay symptoms and answer questions, but they are unable to diagnose ADHD or refuse a diagnosis from an expert clinician. This is a clinical choice that can only be made by a psychiatrist.
What is an ADHD assessment?
ADHD is a complicated disorder and accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a qualified specialist. The expert listens to your symptoms, asks questions and examines them in relation to current guidelines for diagnosing. They are also looking for possible explanations for your symptoms, such as co-occurring mental health issues. Comprehensive evaluations can take several hours and could require more than one appointment with the doctor.
You must be honest when answering questions, so that the doctor can accurately assess your symptoms. It is important to remember that a diagnosis for ADHD cannot be confirmed unless your history, especially as a child or teen is taken into consideration. Your specialist will ask you questions about your previous experiences and behaviour and will also evaluate your current symptoms.
You will be required to fill out questionnaires and other tests, including cognitive assessments and rating scales. Bring these documents to the clinic as your specialist will use them to aid in the assessment. Your doctor will also be able to provide information from your medical records.
Remember that the NHS is not as extensive and may be slow in obtaining an assessment. If you go to your GP and you express concern that you might be suffering from ADHD, he or she should take this seriously and suggest an assessment.
If your GP determines that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and they give you the reason. It is usually because a different issue, such as depression or anxiety that better explains your 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 evaluation.
At the Adult ADHD Clinic, Dr Cubbin accepts referrals from GPs under the Right to Choose scheme, and she is also happy to consult patients privately. This means you can access an assessment quickly and efficiently, avoiding the NHS waiting list. You can discuss treatment options and begin to manage your symptoms, so they do not affect your work or your relationships.
Why do I require an ADHD assessment?
A diagnosis of ADHD may have a profound effect on an individual. It can change how people approach their work as well as relationships and family life. Many people who seek an answer will be relieved to comprehend why they struggled at school and in adulthood. For others the diagnosis can bring on a range of emotions and be a challenge to deal with.
Achieving an ADHD assessment is the first step towards understanding and managing your symptoms. However the NHS waiting times being lengthy and private assessments expensive, the process can feel like a maze for those who don't know where to start. This guide is designed to help.
Speak with your GP to receive an ADHD assessment. Your GP will be attentive to your symptoms and discuss them with you asking questions about how they impact your life. They will ask if you are experiencing other symptoms such as depression or anxiety. They can refer you to a mental health professional usually a psychiatrist trained in neurodevelopmental disorders.
After you've been referred, you'll typically be asked to fill out some pre-screening forms prior to your appointment. These can be accessed through your portal's dashboard online and need to be completed before the appointment time, so that your psychiatrist can read them in advance of the appointment.
The psychiatrist will conduct an in-depth medical-psychiatric examination together with you. They will ask you questions about your childhood and family history, and your current symptoms. They may also want to speak with your partner or child. During the interview, the psychiatrist will be looking for indicators of ADHD and any other medical or psychological conditions you have.
The psychiatrist will decide whether they believe you suffer from ADHD, and what type treatment is required. This will include a discussion on medication and psychosocial intervention (if necessary). The doctor will then compose a report that they will forward to your GP, outlining the outcome of your assessment. The clinician will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which you and your GP can agree on.
How can I get an ADHD assessment?
Adults looking to treat ADHD symptoms can be frustrated by the fact that obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS can take as long as two years. There are many private options if you want to avoid the NHS waiting time.
Before arranging an appointment with a specialist, it's worthwhile familiarising yourself with the traits and symptoms of adult ADHD to ensure you know what to expect. It can also help to note instances of these issues in your own life that you could discuss during the assessment.
You will also be asked to assess the severity of your symptoms in different situations, and provide examples on how they have affected your personal, professional or family life. These questionnaires are designed to pinpoint any issues and determine if you have ADHD. The psychiatrist will then create an evaluation and explain what you may need to do in the future including any suggestions for treatment.
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help improve your overall health and how you manage relationships and your life. You can also get access to various treatments and interventions to manage the symptoms of adult ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment is to go to your GP and explain why you believe you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. Your GP should be able to take your concerns seriously, and ask if you have any evidence and suggest an assessment for diagnosis.
Private psychiatric evaluations are typically performed by professionals with extensive experience in working with patients suffering from neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD. They will also be experienced of diagnosing and treating other conditions such as depression and anxiety.
If you live in England or Scotland and are eligible, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS through a 'Right To Choose" procedure. You can make use of this option by asking your GP to refer you to Psych-UK Ltd for an adult ADHD assessment and treatment plan as part of the 'Right to Choose.'
What is the cost of an ADHD assessment?
If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD for some time, then it might be time to think about an GP recommendation to consult an expert in the field. This will enable you to get an accurate diagnosis which can result in better treatment and management of your ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that you can only get diagnosed with ADHD through a comprehensive medical assessment conducted by an experienced healthcare professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. These assessments usually involve the complete personal history of the person and observations, as well as feedback from friends and family.
During your appointment your psychiatrist consultant will talk with you about the issues you are facing and may ask you questions about your family and medical history. adhd assessment test for adults will be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems that will help your doctor assess the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities.
After your appointment At the conclusion of your appointment, Dr. Cubbin will draft an extensive ADHD assessment report. With your permission the doctor will then send this report to your GP so that they are aware of the results of your assessment and any recommendations for treatment.
There are some people who opt to pay privately for their ADHD assessment and treatment. If you're unsure if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement or if waiting on the NHS list to make an appointment is not something you want to do, this can be a great option. It is important to remember that having a private diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be eligible for benefits like PIP (formerly Disability Living Allowance).
Take our ADHD adult screener to learn more about this condition and if it's affecting your everyday life. adhd assessment adult can also download a letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to ask them to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.