ADHD Assessments in the UK
ADHD symptoms can have a big impact on your professional and life. A diagnosis can help you better know your issues and find ways to manage them.
In the UK you can get an NHS ADHD assessment from your GP. This will involve a candid discussion about your concerns and could include a screener or questionnaire.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is an extensive assessment of the symptoms that could be indicative of the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It involves gathering data from multiple sources including medical history and observations from family members, teachers and friends. The assessment could also include neuropsychological tests that give greater understanding of strengths and weaknesses and can help determine comorbid disorders.
The NHS currently has a procedure that allows patients to ask for an ADHD assessment by a health care provider of their choice. This allows for a more individualized approach to mental health, and can be beneficial for those who are having difficulty obtaining NHS appointments.
The NHS is a bureaucratic institution and patients may have to wait years to be seen. Adults and children who have symptoms of the disease may find this very distressing. This is the reason why private companies offer an alternative route to the NHS for those who are in need of a medical assessment.
During the assessment, a certified psychiatrist or clinical psychologist will listen to the individual's story and observe their behavior in different situations. They will inquire about their work as well as school and personal life and whether the problems are due to ADHD or another disorder, such as anxiety or depressive disorder. They will then use the data they have gathered to create an outline of the individual's difficulties and make an appropriate diagnosis.
The doctor will also look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any factors that may be contributing to ADHD symptoms. For example, some people may be genetically inclined toward ADHD and have experienced symptoms in their early childhood. Some may also have a medical issue such as thyroid disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
It is important to be honest with your doctor during the evaluation. 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 appropriate treatment. Individuals with untreated ADHD could suffer serious consequences, including missing work deadlines and failing classes, which could cause financial or social difficulties.
What happens during a ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment will most often be performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist with expertise with the condition. They may be able to provide you or your child a diagnosis and treatment options.
During the exam, the healthcare professional will review the medical history of you as well as your symptoms. They will also ask about the way your symptoms affect your work and social lives, as well as whether they are related to any other medical conditions. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental illness especially if one of your relatives has been diagnosed with ADHD.
You will then be asked to complete a symptom check list. 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 symptoms to be able to satisfy the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
The healthcare professional will interview you or your children about their behavior and how it impacts their daily activities. They will also inquire about any other problems that your child or you are suffering from, such as anxiety disorders or learning disabilities.
Based on the results of the questionnaire and interview the healthcare professional might recommend further diagnostic tests. This may include a brain scan or blood tests to look for any medical causes of your child's or your own symptoms.
If your GP thinks that you or your child has ADHD, they will refer you to an expert psychotherapist, psychiatrist or psychologist for a formal assessment. The NHS procedure is completely free, however it may take longer than private. Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be beneficial in many ways, such as providing accommodations at school or work which will enhance your performance and simplify your life. This could mean an environment that is quiet, additional time for tests, or the possibility to use your lunchtime to attend a doctor appointment.
How long does it take to conduct an ADHD assessment?
Generally, it takes up to 3 hours for a psychiatrist to complete an ADHD assessment. This includes one-on-one interviews as well as reviewing questionnaires (rate how frequently and how severe you're experiencing symptoms), as well as an observational test of your behavior, if needed. It is best to prepare by keeping a symptom diary and filling out the questionnaires before your appointment. This allows your appointment to be smooth and ensures that no critical information is missed.
During the interview your consultant will inquire about your daily routine and mental health history and any mental health issues that you or your children could have. They will also consider whether or not you have had a previous diagnosis of ADHD that could impact the dosage and type of the medication prescribed. Bring your child or partner along to the appointment. They could have useful information.
It is essential to be honest with the examiner and answer the questions with honesty. This can be a challenging procedure, particularly for patients who are older but a straight and honest approach is crucial to obtain the most accurate diagnosis possible. Patients often report symptoms but not others. This could affect the results of the examination. This can lead a wrong diagnosis and an unsuitable treatment plan.
The length of your assessment will be determined by the volume of background information you must provide. If you have a long medical or mental health history, the longer your assessment will take.
The specialist will send your GP a detailed ADHD assessment report, if you give your permission. This can help your GP better understand the condition and also get you the best treatment. We also offer advice and guidance in between appointments by email or phone calls of a short duration. It's free. However, if you need an official letter to your work or school, there is an additional cost that is based on the time taken to prepare this.
What happens following an ADHD assessment?
Before your appointment, we will send you the relevant forms for you to complete. These forms will include a self-report of your symptoms, questions about family history and a complete medical and psychiatric questionnaire. These forms allow us to stay to our schedule and allow for the psychiatrist to spend the most time possible on assessing your symptoms for ADHD. Please ensure that you have completed these prior to your appointment, so that the psychiatrist is able to review them prior to meeting with you.
Your assessment will be carried out by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist. In the UK only these professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD. GPs may discuss your concerns with you, but they are not able to officially refer you to an assessment. The assessment is likely to be conducted via video-call, however, in certain cases, you may be able meet your clinician in person.
During the ADHD evaluation, you will be asked questions about your current symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. It is essential to be as truthful as you can and to try to remember any symptoms you may have had in your childhood. This is because, under current guidelines for diagnosis it is currently believed that the diagnosis of ADHD in adults can only be confirmed if symptoms were present during childhood.
You might also be asked to provide details about your work, relationships and other aspects of your daily life. This helps your psychiatrist to gain a full picture of your issues, so that they can make an informed choice about whether or not you have ADHD.
Your physician will discuss treatment options with you in case you're diagnosed with ADHD. They will be able to recommend medications, CBT therapy and other treatments to help manage the condition. They will also be in a position to discuss potential side effects with you.
For many people who have a professional diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief. like it can ease feelings of confusion and self-doubt by proving that the problems you're experiencing are caused by ADHD instead of any personal flaw. It can help your loved ones comprehend you better and increase your empathy.