ADHD Assessment in the UK
A full diagnostic assessment is necessary for a correct diagnosis. This will include screening questions sent out in advance and an interview with you and, ideally, someone you know well from your childhood, a review of school reports from the past (if they are available) and a comprehensive consultation.
The NHS has specific guidelines for ADHD tests. Many people opt to go to an independent healthcare provider to speed up the process, and avoid lengthy waiting lists.
What is an ADHD assessment?
A healthcare professional can listen to your concerns and help you understand them through an ADHD assessment. You will work with a psychiatrist who is senior to determine the root of what is happening and how it could be impacting your life. They will evaluate you with a variety of tools such as symptom checklists or rating scales. They will also take into account any family history of mental health issues and your past experiences. The psychiatrist will then be able to confirm which of the three main subtypes you may have.
The specialist will also determine if there are any other psychological or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is very important since if a different condition is mistakenly attributed to ADHD the patient could be misdiagnosed and the symptoms of your ADHD may not improve. The expert will also evaluate the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning, with the same criteria an NHS specialist would use.
Prepare a list in advance of any questions or concerns you may have. This will ensure that your needs are met and that nothing is missed. You should also take notes of any issues you're experiencing. You will be able to remember these issues better if you write them down. This will also make the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis more efficient.
Bring any relevant documentation to your appointment. This could include performance evaluations from your job or old reports from school. You can also assist the expert by bringing any records you may have that demonstrate how ADHD has affected your life.
You may be required to fill out screening questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can be accessed by logging into your portal dashboard and are usually ready to fill out prior to when you meet with the psychiatrist. This should be completed as soon as you can to reduce the amount of time you'll wait.
How do I get an ADHD assessment?
A diagnosis of ADHD could be the first step to get the help and support you need. In the UK doctors are unable to diagnose ADHD. However, they can refer a patient for assessment to a psychiatrist.
The NHS will cover an ADHD assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. It will take between 45 and 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 consider any other psychological or medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Your specialist will also ask whether you've had similar problems. Current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD stipulate that ADHD is only diagnosed as an adult when symptoms have been evident since childhood.
If you've experienced these symptoms as an adult your doctor will ask if your problems have progressed or worsened over time. They will also consider any other factors that could influence your symptoms, such as anxiety and stress. They might also suggest that you try an online group-based ADHD support and education programme or suggest alternative treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy.
If you are having difficulty getting an NHS-funded ADHD assessment, you can make use of your Right to Choose if you live in England. This means that you can choose to have a private assessment if are satisfied with the wait time for an NHS assessment or if you want to avoid waiting for an assessment altogether. Private assessments can be more expensive, but will grant you direct access to treatment. Your specialist will write a comprehensive report for you to present to your GP and will discuss any recommended medications or other treatment options with you. If requested, they will also send a recommendation letter to your workplace or school. This can be an additional charge dependent on the amount of time it takes to prepare the letter.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
A psychiatric evaluation is the first step in an ADHD assessment. Your doctor will review your symptom history and ask questions about your health, development, family and lifestyle. They will also utilize standard questionnaires that will be mailed to you in advance. They may also ask for opinions from friends, teachers coaches, spouses, or even coaches. Interviews aren't intended to criticize, but to identify other factors which could be causing symptoms like depression or anxiety disorders.
During the appointment the doctor will look at any records you bring along, such as performance evaluations from work as well as copies of your previous psychological test results or even old school reports. The evaluator will also spend time talking with the person who is the closest to you for example, your spouse, sibling or parent. This is to collect information about your childhood experiences as you might have forgotten some particulars or your behavior may have changed as you got older.
The psychiatrist will also go over any information you provided on the standardised questions before your appointment to ensure that they can get an accurate understanding of your symptoms. They will also look at any other data from your past such as school records from the past or a medical or neurological exam. This is to make sure that you meet the standardized 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 show at least five symptoms established within the same timeframe.
Once they have gathered all relevant details, your psychiatrist will conduct an in-person clinical interview with you. They will then consider all the information they have collected and determine if you have the symptoms of ADHD. This involves assessing your symptoms using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD They will prepare a report for your GP. The doctor will then choose an appropriate treatment plan which could include medication (medication) or psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you have the right to choose your healthcare provider. If you do not want to wait until you receive an ADHD assessment from the NHS you can consult your own private clinician.
What happens after a ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis can transform your life. It can assist you in obtaining treatment and help reduce confusion and self-doubt about your symptoms.
If you suspect that your child or you are suffering from ADHD, the first step is to discuss it with your GP. They may refer you to a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist, who are the only healthcare professionals qualified in the UK to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients are able to wait for months to receive an appointment, which is why many opt to seek out private therapy instead.
After you have been directed to an assessment and/or your child will be interviewed in person by your physician. The interview will cover topics such as growth, health and family history, and lifestyle. The doctor may also ask you to speak to other people such as teachers or daycare providers. This isn't to check your answers, but rather to understand how your symptoms impact your child or yourself in different situations.
The doctor will employ rating scales as well to determine the frequency of certain symptoms, such as restlessness or difficulty staying focused. This will identify whether you meet the standard criteria for ADHD. They will also discuss whether you suffer from any other issues, such as anxiety or depression. conversational tone is important to tell your clinician if you have any background of ADHD in your family. Genetics can impact whether you develop the disorder.
Your clinician will prepare a comprehensive report that you can present to your GP following the psychiatric assessment. The report will contain an extensive diagnosis and recommended treatment.
If you've been diagnosed as an adult with ADHD Your GP might suggest you take a medication. If the medication works and you are able to take it, you must inform the DVLA and your insurance company, since you'll have to renew your driver's license. Your therapist may recommend that you and your child attend a parenting class to learn together how to manage ADHD. This can improve your relationship with your child and help you become a more confident parent.