ADHD UK Assessment
If you suspect that you have ADHD, it is important to talk about it with your GP. They can discuss with you your symptoms and inquire about any mental health issues that you might be suffering from.
NHS patients in England are legally entitled to choose their mental healthcare provider. This includes access to ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is mental health issue that affects the way signals are transmitted between brain cells. This can cause issues in learning, organization and paying attention. It can also make managing issues with self-control and making the right choices more difficult. People with ADHD tend to be angry and frustrated, and find it difficult to handle routines and tasks others find easy. They may also be struggling with feelings like low mood, anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed, or are given the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet the growing demand for assessments and some areas have waits of more than two years. Some have stopped taking new referrals according to BBC's Freedom of Information requests. The BBC's Freedom of Information requests reveal that certain doctors have stopped accepting referrals completely.
GPs are required to take the claims made by those who suspect they suffer from symptoms of ADHD seriously, and refer them for an assessment. They must adhere to NICE guidelines, which require that the assessment be performed by psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse (or another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE)).
Individuals who are on the NHS waiting list can request a private assessment. This can be done through the Right to Choose path, which allows a doctor to send them for an ADHD assessment to a preferred service. To do this, they must discuss the individual's concerns with them and explain why they would like an assessment of the symptoms of ADHD by an expert psychiatrist or ADHD nurse.
Many private ADHD assessment providers offer titration of their medications through the NHS after the assessment. Psychiatry UK is the largest provider, and they offer details on how to use their services via Right to Choose. They also offer a downloadable letter you can give to your GP.
Common symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of a person to focus, their ability to keep control, and manage emotions. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are all symptoms of ADHD. While many people may struggle with these challenges however, those who meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis have issues that are noticeably beyond what is expected for their age or developmental level. These issues hinder their ability to succeed at work and at home and may cause issues in relationships.
Inattention is when one is unable to remain focused and engaged, often getting distracted easily and losing track of what they are doing. They may also have difficulties organizing their thoughts and following instructions. Hyperactivity is a frequent symptom of ADHD and can be characterized by excessive tapping, fidgeting or talking. Impulsivity refers to the tendency to act without considering consequences, or to seek instant gratification.
Some people with ADHD might have trouble making and maintaining friendships. They could be frequently criticized by other people for their lack of attention and naughtiness. They can also suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety or depression. The challenges people with ADHD face can increase throughout their lives, such as when they move out of the family home and into school or work. They may also be affected by new stresses like relationship difficulties, financial pressures and parental expectations.
It is essential to talk to your GP when you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can assist you in deciding if an NHS ADHD assessment is helpful and refer to the right service for your needs. This could be an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
During your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your family life as well as your social life. They will also conduct an exam to rule out other issues, like anxiety and depression. They will also look over any reports or assessments from the past and will review your medication.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that ADHD services are struggling to handle the demand and waiting lists for assessment are long. In an attempt to understand the scale of the issue we made FOI requests to each NHS trust in England that runs ADHD services. We found that, on average, people wait more than six months for an appointment.
ADHD symptoms in adults
Untreated ADHD symptoms can create problems for adults that are worse than those of children. They may struggle with relationship issues, career difficulties and a feeling of general under-achievement. They are unable to keep their job, adhering to corporate guidelines or meeting deadlines. They may also have trouble managing their finances and end up in debt because of purchases made on impulse. They may have difficulty staying healthy due to a poor diet or the inability to sit or focus for long periods of time.
Adults with ADHD might be more difficult to treat and diagnose than children. This is due to the fact that medical professionals have preconceived notions about the way people with ADHD appear. This is particularly relevant if they're an ethnic minority, assigned female at birth or not a native English speaker. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have mental health issues that mirror the symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The most frequent characteristic of adult ADHD is restlessness, which manifests itself as fidgeting and an inability to sit still. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to be anxious and stressed and feel overwhelmed by the daily events. In addition, they could have difficulty controlling their emotions, and could suffer from depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, as well as mood swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD might not be aware of their condition until they reach their adulthood and experience more demands and stress. cheapest adhd assessment may not be apparent until after they leave school or at the home of their parents. camhs adhd assessment could continue to cause problems as they move into new roles in their work and life.
To address the delay in obtaining an NHS ADHD assessment, Nice has ratified the use of an online test to speed up diagnosis. The test will be available for psychiatrists and children's specialists in England to assess between six and seventeen years old. The QbTest is able to determine if an infant or young child is suffering from the three main signs of ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It will decrease the time it takes to determine ADHD and help improve outcomes for children and young people with the condition.
ADHD symptoms in children
If your child's symptoms are having a significant impact on your child's daily life, you can request your GP to refer your child to a psychiatrist or nurse specialist. You can then undergo a specialist assessment that covers overall mental health and the evaluation of ADHD. Nurses and psychiatrists can prescribe medication to help with the symptoms of ADHD.
The assessment should be semi-structured to permit the collection and elicitation of information on symptoms and impairments, which are critical in the diagnosis of ADHD. The assessment should be open-ended to encourage a free and honest response, as well as the assessor using real-life scenarios to go beyond the initial clinical impression (which could be inaccurate). It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments, and other criteria are fully investigated.
It is crucial to ensure that a screening for any other mental health issues is carried out, particularly ones that can mimic symptoms of ADHD or are comorbid with it, including depression and bipolar disorder. It is also essential to investigate if there is any history of abuse or substance use disorders, as they could influence the outcome of an ADHD diagnosis, especially when not treated.
The NHS assessment process can be lengthy and frustrating for those suffering from ADHD. It's usually due to a lack of clarity regarding the criteria for assessment, and the fact healthcare professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD "looks like". This can lead people to be incorrectly diagnosed or not diagnosed at any or even to unacceptable long waiting lists for assessments.
After the assessment the result must be documented clearly in the form of a report that clarifies whether or not the ADHD assessment criteria have been fulfilled. It should also include a diagnosis and an explanation of the next steps. (Usually, you should refer your GP to be treated together). This could include a review of the medications available. It is important to remember that the assessment is just the beginning of the treatment process, and it is essential to ensure that discussions about the wider educational and psychosocial aspects of managing ADHD are included in the post-diagnostic discussion that NICE recommends.