ADHD UK Assessment
It is essential to speak with your GP if you suspect you suffer from ADHD. They can discuss your symptoms and inquire about any other mental health issues you may have.
NHS patients in England have a legal right to choose their own mental healthcare provider and team. assessment adhd includes accessing ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a mental illness that affects how signals are transmitted between brain cells. This can result in issues with learning, organization and paying attention. It can also make it harder to manage issues like issues with self-control and making the right choices. People suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and irritable, and also have difficulties coping with routines and tasks that others can manage easily. They might also be suffering from emotional issues like depression, anxiety or low mood.
People with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or receive the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling with the rise of assessments. Some areas have waiting times of more than two years. Some have stopped taking new referrals according to the BBC's Freedom of Information requests. This is causing frustration for those who are waiting lists, and some even feel depressed as they realize they won't receive a diagnosis in time to make any difference in their lives.
The GP is required to take the claims made by those who suspect they suffer from symptoms of ADHD seriously, and refer them to an assessment. They must adhere to NICE guidelines that require that an assessment be performed by a specialist ADHD psychiatrist or nurse (or any other "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" [NICE]).
Individuals who are on the NHS waiting list can request a private assessment. This is possible through the Right to Choose path, which allows a doctor to refer them for an ADHD assessment to a preferred provider. To make this happen, the GP must discuss with the patient their concerns and explain why they want an assessment of ADHD symptoms by a psychiatrist.
Many private ADHD assessment providers offer titration of medications through the NHS after the assessment. Psychiatry UK is the largest provider, and they offer information on how to access their services via Right to Choose. They also have a letter that you can download you can send to a GP.
Common Signs and symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's focus, ability to keep control, and manage emotions. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. While many people struggle with these issues, those who are diagnosed with ADHD suffer from issues that are significantly above what is typical of their age or level of development. These issues can hinder their ability to succeed at home and work, and cause problems in relationships.
Inattention means that one is unable to stay focused and on task and is often easily distracted and losing the focus of what they are doing. They may also have trouble organizing their thoughts and following instructions. Hyperactivity is a common feature of ADHD and can be characterized by excessive fidgeting, tapping or talking. Impulsivity is a tendency to act fast without considering the consequences or pursuing immediate satisfaction.
People with ADHD are often unable to keep and make friends and may be constantly judged by other people for their naughtiness or forgetfulness. Depression, low self-esteem or anxiety can also be experienced by people with ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD are often faced with problems throughout their lives. For example when they leave their family home to study or work. New stressors, like financial pressures, relationship issues, and parental expectations can also affect them.
It is important to speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They can assist you in deciding whether an NHS ADHD assessment would be beneficial and can recommend a service that meets your needs. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
During the consultation process your doctor will take a detailed account of your past and present issues. They will inquire about your family life and social interactions. They will also conduct an exam to rule out other issues, like anxiety and depression. They will also review any prior reports, assessments or medications.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that ADHD services are struggling to cope with demand and waiting lists for assessments are long. We have sent FOI requests for details to each NHS trust that offers ADHD services in England to determine the magnitude of the issue. We found that people were waiting on average for more than six months to get an appointment.
ADHD symptoms in Adults
For adults suffering from ADHD, the problems caused by untreated symptoms could be even more severe than in children. They may have issues with relationships problems, career issues and feelings of general inadequacy. They have difficulty keeping a job, following corporate rules, or meeting deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their finances properly and get into debt due to the impulsive spending. They may struggle to stay healthy because of a poor diet or an inability to concentrate for long periods.
It can be more difficult for adults with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated than children, mainly because medical experts may have preconceived notions about what people with the condition appear to be. This is particularly the case if they're a person of colour or gender, born female or are not a native English speaker. Moreover, adults with ADHD can be more likely to suffer from mental health problems that mimic the symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The most frequent characteristic of adult ADHD is restlessness, which manifests itself by fidgeting and an inability to remain still. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be anxious and stressed and feel overwhelmed by daily life situations. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and may suffer from depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
Adults with ADHD might not be aware of their condition until they reach their adulthood and experience more demands and stress. The signs might not be apparent until after they leave school or the home of their parents. They may be causing problems as they transition into new roles in their work and life.
Nice has approved the use of a computerized test in an effort to reduce the time it takes to obtain an NHS ADHD assessment. It will be made available to psychiatrists and specialist children's doctors in England to test the six-to-17-year-olds. The QbTest will determine if a child or young person has the three main characteristics of ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It will cut down on the amount of time it takes to determine ADHD and will improve the outcome for children and young adults with the disorder.
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
If your child's issues have significant effects on their your child's daily life You may ask your GP to refer your child to a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. You can then have a specialist assessment that covers overall mental health and the evaluation of ADHD. Nurses and psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
The assessment should be structured in a semi-structured manner to allow for the elicitation of symptom and impairment data that are crucial in the process of diagnosing ADHD. The assessment should be open-ended to encourage a open and honest response, as well as the assessor using real-life examples to go beyond the initial clinical impression (which could be misleading). It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments and additional criteria are thoroughly explored.
It is essential to ensure that a screening for any other mental health disorders is performed, especially those which can mimic the symptoms of ADHD or are frequently co-occurring with it, like bipolar disorder and depression. It is also crucial to determine if there is any history of substance abuse or eating disorders, as they can have a major impact on the outcomes of an ADHD diagnosis, especially if not treated.
The NHS assessment process is often long and arduous for those suffering from ADHD. It's usually due to a lack of understanding of the type of assessment being conducted and the fact that healthcare professionals are influenced by preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD "looks like". This can lead to people be wrongly diagnosed or not diagnosed at all or any time, and often to unacceptably lengthy waiting lists for assessments.
The assessment results should be documented in a written report which explains if the ADHD assessment criteria were satisfied. The report should also include the diagnosis as well as a discussion of the next steps. (Usually the next step is you should refer your GP to be treated jointly). This can include an overview of medication options. It is important to keep in mind that the assessment is just the start of the management journey, and it is crucial that a discussion about the wider psychosocial and educational aspects of managing ADHD is included in the post-diagnostic discussion, which NICE recommends.