ADHD UK Assessment
If you think you may have ADHD, it is important to discuss the issue with your GP. They can discuss your symptoms and ask about any other mental health issues you might be suffering from.
NHS patients in England have the legal right to select their own mental health provider and team. This includes accessing ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a mental health disorder which affects the way signals are transferred between brain cells. This can result in issues in learning, organization and paying attention. It can also make it more difficult to deal with issues such as trouble with self-control and making good choices. People with ADHD are often irritable and frustrated and have a difficult time to manage routines and tasks others find easy. They may also experience emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or low mood.
People suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or given the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling with the increase in the demand for tests. Some areas have waiting times of more than two years. Some have stopped accepting new referrals, according to the BBC's Freedom of Information requests. The Freedom of Information requests reveal that some doctors have stopped accepting referrals altogether.
GPs are required to take the claims of people who think they have symptoms of ADHD seriously, and refer them for an assessment. They must adhere to NICE guidelines, which require that an assessment be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse (or another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [NICE]).
Patients who are on the NHS waiting list can request a personal assessment. This can be done via the Right to Choose pathway, where a person's GP will agree to refer them for an ADHD assessment to their preferred healthcare provider. To do this, they must discuss the individual's concerns with them and explain that they'd like to have an assessment of their symptoms of ADHD by an expert psychiatrist or ADHD nurse.
There are Suggested Webpage offering private ADHD assessments, some offering titration for medication through the NHS after the assessment. The most popular is Psychiatry UK, who provide details of how to access their service through Right to Choose, including the downloadable letter you can present to your GP.
Common symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of an individual to focus and control their emotions. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. While many people struggle with these issues, those diagnosed with ADHD have issues that are far over and above what is normal for their age or level of development. These issues can affect their ability to succeed at home and at work and create problems in relationships.
Inattention occurs when a person is unable to stay focused and focused. They can easily become distracted and lose track of what they're doing. They may also have difficulty planning 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 want instant gratification.
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to establish and maintain friendships and may be constantly ridiculed by others for their forgetfulness or naughtiness. Depression, low self-esteem or anxiety can also be suffered by those with ADHD. People with ADHD can face problems throughout their lives. For example when they leave their family home to study or work. They can be impacted by new stressors like relationships issues as well as financial pressures and parental expectations.
It is important to speak to your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. They can help you determine whether an NHS ADHD assessment is helpful and recommend the right service for your needs. This might be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
During the consultation your doctor will take a detailed account of your past and current issues. They will also ask you about your family and social activities. They will also conduct an examination to rule out other illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. They will also review any reports or assessments from the past and examine your medications.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns of long waiting lists for assessment and ADHD services struggling to cope with the demand. We have sent FOI requests for information to every NHS trust that provides ADHD services in England to try to understand the magnitude of the issue. We found that people were waiting an average of more than six months before getting an appointment.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Untreated ADHD symptoms can create problems for adults that are more difficult than the children's. They may have issues with relationships problems, career difficulties and a general feeling of not being able to do their job. They have difficulty keeping a job, following corporate guidelines and deadlines. They might also have issues managing their finances and end up in debt because of impulse purchases. They might have difficulty maintaining their health due to a poor diet or an inability to sit or focus for long periods of time.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might be more difficult to treat and diagnose than children. This is primarily due to the fact that medical professionals have preconceived notions about how people with ADHD appear. This is particularly true if they are someone of color or gender-specifically assigned at birth or are not a native English speaker. Additionally, people with ADHD can be more likely to suffer from mental health problems that mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
Adult ADHD is characterized by restlessness and an inability or unwillingness to remain still. Adults with this condition also tend to feel anxious and stressed easily, causing them to feel overwhelmed by daily events. In addition, they may find it difficult to control their emotions, and could be suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or mood swings.
In some instances, adults with ADHD may not be aware that they have an issue until they reach the age of adulthood and are afflicted with increased levels of stress and demand. The signs may not be apparent until after they leave school or the home of their parents. They could be causing problems when they take on new roles at work and in life.
Nice has approved the use of a digital test to cut down on the time needed to obtain an NHS ADHD assessment. It will be available to psychiatrists and specialist children's doctors in England to evaluate the six-to-17-year-olds. The QbTest will determine if the child or young person is suffering from the three main signs 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 condition.
ADHD symptoms in children
If your child's symptoms have a significant impact on the way they live, you could request your GP to refer your child to a psychiatrist or nurse specialist. You can then receive an assessment that is specialized and includes both your mental health and ADHD. Nurses and psychiatrists can prescribe medication to help with the symptoms of ADHD.
The assessment should be structured in a semi-structured manner to permit the collection of symptom and impairment data which is crucial in the process of diagnosing ADHD. This should include open-ended questions to encourage a open and honest answer, with the examiner using real-world examples to probe deeper than the initial'snapshot' clinical impression (which could be misleading). It is suggested to look into all DSM symptoms and criteria.
It is essential to check for any other mental disorders, especially those that may be similar to ADHD symptoms or are often associated with it, such as depression and bipolar disorder. It is also important to determine if there is an history of substance abuse or eating disorders, since they can influence the outcome of an ADHD diagnosis, especially if untreated.
The NHS assessment process can be lengthy and frustrating for people with ADHD. This is usually due to a lack in clarity regarding the criteria for assessment, and the fact healthcare professionals are influenced by preconceived notions about what people with ADHD "looks like". This can lead to people being misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed in the first place, and often leads to excessively long wait lists for evaluations.
The result of the assessment should be documented in a written document which explains if the ADHD assessment criteria were satisfied. It should also document the diagnosis and a discussion on the next steps (usually the referral to your GP for shared management). This can include an overview of medication options. It is crucial to remember that the assessment is just the beginning of the management process, and it is essential to ensure that discussions about the larger psychosocial and educational aspects of managing ADHD is included in the post-diagnostic conversation which NICE recommends.