ADHD UK Assessment
It is important to talk with your GP when you suspect you have ADHD. They can discuss with you your symptoms and ask about any mental health concerns that you might have.
NHS patients in England are legally entitled to choose their mental healthcare provider. This includes accessing ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is mental illness that affects the way signals are transmitted between brain cells. This can result in problems with learning, organization, and paying attention. It can also make it more difficult to manage issues like problems with self-control or making good choices. People with ADHD are often irritable and angry and find it difficult to handle routines and tasks that others find easy. They might also be suffering from emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression or low mood.
People suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or receive wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling to cope with the rise in demand for assessments with some areas experiencing waits that exceed two years. According to BBC Freedom of Information requests some have stopped accepting new referrals. adhd assessments uk of Information requests reveal that a few doctors have stopped accepting new referrals completely.
They must adhere to NICE guidelines, which require that an assessment be carried out by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse (or other "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [NICE]). They must adhere to NICE guidelines which require that an assessment be carried out by a specialist ADHD nurse or psychiatrist (or any other "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 pathway, where a doctor agrees to make a referral for an ADHD assessment to their preferred provider. To make this happen, the GP must discuss with the patient their concerns and explain why they'd like to be assessed for ADHD symptoms by a psychiatrist.
There are many providers of private ADHD assessments, with some offering titration for medication through the NHS after the assessment. The most popular is Psychiatry UK, who provide details on how to access their services through Right to Choose, including a downloadable letter that you can present to your GP.
Common symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of an individual to focus, maintain control and manage their emotions. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. While many people may be struggling with these issues but those who meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis experience problems that are clearly over the norm for their age or developmental stage. These issues hinder their ability to be successful at home and in the workplace and may cause issues in relationships.
Inattention is when a person is unable to stay focused and engaged. They are easily distracted and lose track of what they're doing. They may also have trouble making plans and following instructions. Hyperactivity is a common feature of ADHD and can be characterized by excessive fidgeting, tapping or talking. Impulsivity refers to the tendency to make decisions without thinking about consequences, or to want immediate gratification.
People with ADHD may have difficulty to establish and maintain friendships and may be constantly judged by other people for their lack of attention or naughtiness. They can also suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety or depression. People who suffer from ADHD are often faced with difficulties throughout their lives. For instance when they leave their family home to work or study. New stressors, such as relationship problems, financial pressures and expectations of parents can also affect them.
If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD It is crucial to speak to your GP. They can help you determine whether an NHS ADHD assessment is helpful and recommend the right service for your needs. This could be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
During the consultation process your doctor will take an in-depth account of your past and current issues. They will also ask you about your family life and social interactions. They will also perform an examination to rule out illnesses like anxiety or depression. They will also look over any previous reports, assessments, or medications.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns of long wait lists for assessments and ADHD services that are struggling to keep up with the demand. We sent FOI requests for information to each NHS trust that provides ADHD services in England to determine the extent of the problem. We found that people were waiting an average of longer than six months to get an appointment.
ADHD symptoms in Adults
For adults with ADHD, the problems caused by the unmanaged symptoms can be more severe than in children. They might struggle with relationship issues, career difficulties and a feeling of general inadequacy. They may have trouble keeping a job, following corporate rules or meeting deadlines. They might also have difficulty managing their finances and end up in debt as a result of impulsive purchases. They may struggle to stay healthy due to a poor diet or an inability to concentrate for long periods.
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 look. This is particularly relevant if they're someone of color or gender-specifically assigned at birth or are not native English speaker. Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that resemble ADHD symptoms, including depression or anxiety.
The most frequent characteristic of adult ADHD is restlessness, which manifests itself as a lack of concentration and a tendency to sit still. Adults with this condition can also be anxious and stressed easily, causing them to feel overwhelmed by the daily events. Additionally, they might find it difficult to control their emotions, and could suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or mood fluctuations.
Adults suffering from ADHD may not be aware of their condition until they reach adulthood as they are subjected to increased pressure and stress. The signs may not be apparent until after they leave school or at the home of their parents. They may remain a source of trouble when they take on new roles in their work and life.
Nice has approved the use of a computerized test to speed up the time it takes to get an NHS ADHD assessment. It will be available to psychiatrists and specialist children's doctors in England to test between six and 17 years old. The QbTest will determine if a child or young person has the three primary characteristics of ADHD which are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It will help to improve the outcomes of children suffering from ADHD by reducing the time it takes to diagnose the disorder.
ADHD symptoms in children
If your child's symptoms are having a significant impact on the way they live You can ask your GP to refer your child to a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. Then, you can undergo a specialist assessment that covers general mental health and the evaluation of ADHD. Psychiatrists or nurses can prescribe medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
The test should be semi-structured to allow for the collection and elicitation of data on symptoms and impairments that are essential in diagnosing ADHD. The assessment should contain open-ended questions that are honest and encourage a candid response. The assessor may utilize real-world examples to probe deeper than the "snapshot" impression of the patient. It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments and additional criteria are fully explored.
It is crucial to test for other mental disorders, particularly those that may be similar to ADHD symptoms or are frequently comorbid with it, like depression and bipolar disorder. It is also worth exploring whether there is any history of substance abuse and/or an eating disorder in order to determine if they affect the result of a diagnosis of ADHD especially if they are not treated.
The NHS assessment process can be long and arduous for those who suffer from ADHD. This is usually due to a lack of the clarity of what is being assessed and the fact healthcare professionals are influenced by preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD "looks like". This can lead to people being misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, and also results in excessively long wait lists for tests.
The assessment results should be documented in a written document which explains if the ADHD assessment criteria were met. It should also contain the diagnosis and a discussion on the next steps (usually the referral to your GP for shared management). This may include a brief overview of treatment options. The assessment is only the first step in the management journey. It is also important to include a discussion of the wider psychosocial aspects and educational aspects of ADHD during the post-diagnosis discussion, as recommended by NICE.