ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough diagnostic assessment is essential for a precise diagnosis. This includes screening questions sent out in advance, an interview with yourself and, ideally, someone you know well from your childhood, a review of historical school reports (if they are available), and a full consultation.
The NHS has specific guidelines for ADHD tests. Many people prefer to go to an individual healthcare provider to accelerate the process and avoid long waiting lists.
What is ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is an opportunity for medical professionals to listen to you and understand your issues. You will be working with a psychiatrist who is senior to determine the root of what's happening and how it might be impacting on your life. They will evaluate you using various tools such as symptoms checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also consider any family history of mental health issues and your past experiences. The psychiatrist can then confirm which of three major subtypes you may be suffering from.
The doctor will also rule out any other medical or mental disorders that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. This is crucial because if a disorder is mistaken for ADHD, you could be treated incorrectly and the symptoms of your ADHD might not improve. The expert will also evaluate the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning, using the same criteria an NHS specialist would apply.
It is recommended to make your list of concerns or questions you're facing ahead of time. This will help ensure that all of your requirements are met and that nothing is missed. It's also recommended to take notes of any particular problems you've experienced. You can remember these things better if you write them down. This will help in getting an ADHD diagnosis more efficient.
It is also recommended to bring any relevant documents with you to your appointment. You may bring old work or school report cards or even performance assessments. If you have any medical or educational records that could be used to illustrate the effect of ADHD on your life, these are helpful for the specialist to have as well.
You might be asked to fill out pre-screening questions prior to your appointment. These can be accessed by logging in to your portal dashboard. They are generally available to complete prior to meeting with your psychiatrist. This should be completed as soon as you can to reduce the time you wait.
How can I obtain an ADHD assessment?
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of ADHD and you are unable to determine the cause, a diagnosis could be the first step in receiving the help and support you require. In the UK, doctors cannot diagnose ADHD. However they are able to refer a patient for assessment to a psychiatrist.
The NHS will cover an ADHD assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The assessment will last between 45 to 90 minutes. You will be asked questions about your general mental health, the mental health history of your family and your symptoms. The specialist will also assess any other medical or psychological issues that could be causing the symptoms you're experiencing.
Your doctor will also inquire if you've ever had similar issues. This is because the current guidelines for diagnosis state that you will only be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult when the symptoms have been present since childhood.
If you've been experiencing these symptoms since adulthood your doctor will inquire whether your symptoms have improved over time. They will also consider any other factors that could affect your symptoms, including anxiety and stress. They may also recommend that you try an online group-based ADHD education and support program or suggest alternative treatments like cognitive behaviour therapy.
If you reside in England and are having trouble accessing a NHS-funded ADHD assessment, you can benefit from your Right to Choose. This means that you have the option to go private if you are satisfied with the wait time for an NHS assessment or if you want to avoid waiting. Private assessments are more expensive, however they provide direct treatment. Your specialist will write an extensive report that you can take to your GP and will go over any recommended medications or other treatment options with you. If Iampsychiatry request, they'll also provide recommendation letter to your school or work place. It could be an additional cost depending on the length of time taken to prepare the letter.
What happens during a ADHD assessment?
A psychiatric examination is the first step in an ADHD assessment. Your doctor will ask questions regarding your health, lifestyle, family, and development. They will also use standardised questionnaires that will be sent to you beforehand. They may also interview other people, including parents, siblings, spouses or spouses, and may ask friends, teachers or coaches to share their thoughts as well. These interviews are not intended to slam you, but rather to help determine other factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
During the interview, your doctor may review any documents you bring in, for example, the results of previous psychological tests or old school reports. The evaluator may also spend some time with someone who is familiar with you like your spouse, sibling or parent. This is to gather information about your childhood experiences, as you might have forgotten some particulars or your behavior may have changed with age.
The psychiatrist will also analyze the information you've provided on the standardised questionnaires prior to the appointment, to ensure they have an overview of your symptoms. They will also examine any other historical data like old school records or a neurological or medical exam. This is to ensure 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. Adults must exhibit at least five symptoms that have been established over the same time period.
Your doctor will then conduct a clinical interview in person with you after gathering all the relevant information. They will then review all the information they've gathered and determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. This process involves evaluating your symptoms using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
If your psychiatrist decides that you have ADHD, they will write a report for your GP. The GP will decide on a treatment plan that could include the use of pharmacological therapy (medication) and psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you have a legal right to choose your own healthcare provider, so you can consult your own private clinician to get an ADHD assessment in the event that you don't want to wait for the NHS.
What happens following an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis could transform your life. It can allow you to access treatment, and it could reduce the feeling of doubt and confusion about your symptoms.
The first thing to do if you suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD is to speak with your GP. They can refer you to a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals certified in the UK to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients are able to wait for months to get an appointment, which is why many choose to go private instead.
If you've been referred for an assessment, your doctor will conduct an interview with you or your child in person. The interview will include topics such as growth, health and family history, as well as lifestyle. The doctor may also ask you to speak to other people like teachers or daycare providers. This isn't to check your answers, but rather to learn more about the way your symptoms impact your child or you in different situations.
The doctor will use ratings scales to determine the frequency of certain symptoms like trouble staying focused or restlessness. This will determine if you meet the standard criteria for ADHD. They will also inquire whether you have other issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to inform your physician if there is a a family history of ADHD in your family. Genetics can affect the likelihood of developing the condition.
Your doctor will prepare an extensive report that you can present to your GP following the psychiatric examination. This report will include the full diagnosis as well as a recommended treatment.
If you have been diagnosed as an adult with ADHD Your GP may suggest that you try medication. If the medication is effective and you are able to take it, you must inform the DVLA and your insurance company, since you will need to update your driver's licence. Your therapist might suggest that you and your child take a parenting class to study together how to manage ADHD. This can improve your relationship with the child and make you more secure as a parent.