ADHD Assessments in the UK
ADHD symptoms can have a significant impact on your professional and life. A diagnosis can help you better understand your challenges and discover ways to deal with the symptoms.
In the UK, you can have an NHS ADHD assessment through your GP. This is a conversation about your challenges and may also include a questionnaire or screener.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is an extensive evaluation of symptoms that might indicate ADHD may be a sign of. It involves gathering data from multiple sources including medical history and observations from family members, teachers and other acquaintances. The test may also include neuropsychological testing which provides greater insight into the strengths and weaknesses and helps to identify the presence of comorbidities.
The NHS currently has a system in place whereby patients can ask for an ADHD assessment from the health care provider of their choice. This gives patients a more customized approach to mental health and can be beneficial for people who are unable to wait for NHS appointments.
The NHS is a bureaucratic institution and patients may have to wait for years to get a diagnosis. Children and adults with symptoms of the disease may be very upset. Private companies offer a substitute to the NHS to assess those who require it.
During the assessment a trained psychologist or psychiatrist will listen to the individual's story and observe their behavior in different situations. They will ask about their work, school and private life, and whether their problems result from ADHD or other conditions like depression or anxiety. The data they gather will be used to build an image of the person's struggles and to make an assessment.
The clinician will also review the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any causes that contribute to ADHD symptoms. For instance, some people may be genetically inclined toward ADHD and have had symptoms in their early childhood. Other people may have an thyroid disorder that can cause symptoms similar ADHD.
During the examination, it is important that the patient is honest with the clinician. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulty staying organized and focused but it is crucial for receiving the right treatment. If not treated, ADHD can result in serious consequences such as missed deadlines at work and failing in school. This can lead to financial or other difficulties.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
A psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist with experience in ADHD will typically conduct an ADHD assessment. They can offer treatment and diagnosis options that may help you or your child.
During the process of assessment, the healthcare professional will look over your medical history and symptoms. They will also be looking to determine how your symptoms affect your social and professional life, as well as if any other conditions cause them. They will also inquire about your family history of mental health issues, especially when any of your close relatives have been diagnosed with ADHD.
You will then be asked to fill in 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 need more symptoms to meet the criteria for an assessment.
The healthcare professional will ask you or your children about their behavior and how it affects their daily activities. They will also inquire about any other problems that you or your child might be suffering from, like anxiety disorders or learning difficulties.
Based on the results of the interview and questionnaire the healthcare professional might suggest further diagnostic testing. This may include the brain scan or blood tests to look for any medical reasons behind your child's or your own symptoms.
If your GP suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he or she will refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist who can conduct an assessment. The NHS route is completely free, however it may take longer than private. Having a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be useful in many ways, such as the ability to request accommodations at work or in school which will enhance your performance and make life easier. This could include a quiet workplace, extra time for tests, or the ability to make use of your lunch time to attend a doctor appointment.
How long will an ADHD assessment last?
In general, it takes between 2 to 3 hours for psychiatrists to complete an ADHD assessment. This includes one to one interviews, examining questionnaires (rate how often and how severe you're experiencing symptoms) and an observational test of your behavior and, if needed, an observational test. It is essential to prepare. Keep a journal of your symptoms and complete the questionnaires prior to your appointment. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and that no crucial information is left out.
During the interview, your consultant will inquire about your lifestyle and mental health history and will take into account any mental health issues that your family that you or your child could be suffering from. The consultant will also inquire whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past, as this can influence the dosage and type of medication prescribed. Bring your children or partner along to the appointment. They could have valuable insights.
Answering questions honestly and being honest with the evaluator is vital. This can be a challenging process, especially for adults however, a sincere approach is crucial to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible. People often report some symptoms but not others. This can affect the outcome of the test. This can lead to a misdiagnosis and an untrue treatment plan which can lead to significant problems.
The length of the test will also depend on how much background information is required. The longer your assessment is when you have a complex medical or mental health background.
The specialist will give your GP the complete ADHD assessment report, if you grant your consent. This can help to improve the understanding of your GP about the condition and aid in obtaining the best possible treatment. We also provide advice and guidance between appointments, via email or brief phone calls. This is completely free. If you need a letter to your work or school there will be an additional cost that is depending on the amount of time required to write it.
What happens after an ADHD evaluation?
We will send you forms to fill out before your appointment. These forms will include a self-report rating of your symptoms, questions regarding family history, and a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. These forms help us keep to our schedule and allow for the psychiatrist to spend the most time possible on evaluating you for ADHD. Please fill out what is an adhd assessment so that your psychiatrist can review the forms prior to meeting with you.
Your assessment will be carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist who is a specialist. In the UK only these specialists are able to diagnose ADHD. Doctors can discuss your concerns with you, but they cannot officially refer you to an assessment. The assessment is likely to be conducted via video-call but in some instances you might be able to meet with your clinician in person.
During the ADHD assessment, you will be asked about your current symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is important to tell the truth and try to remember symptoms you may have experienced during your childhood. According to the current guidelines for diagnosis, a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by adults if the symptoms were present during the time of your childhood.
You may be asked details about your job as well as your relationships, and other aspects of your everyday life. This helps your psychiatrist to get a complete picture of your issues, so that they can make an informed choice about whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
Your physician will discuss treatment options with you in case you are diagnosed with ADHD. They'll be able to recommend medications, CBT therapy and other treatments that can help manage the condition. They will also be able to discuss any possible side effects.
A diagnosis from a professional of ADHD is often a huge relief for many. It can help to relieve doubt and anxiety by confirming that the difficulties you are having are the result of ADHD instead of any personal flaw. It can also aid your loved ones to understand your struggles more, and develop empathy for you.