ADHD Assessment - Is it Time For Adults to Get a Diagnosis? The UK's ADHD services are at a crossroads. There is a growing awareness of the condition, but the lack of resources and long waiting time. GPs can communicate symptoms and answer questions, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or refuse a diagnosis from an expert clinician. This is a medical decision that can only be taken by a psychiatrist. What is an ADHD assessment? ADHD is a challenging disorder, and a correct diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a professional with experience. The evaluator is able to listen to your symptoms, asks questions, and evaluates them against current guidelines for diagnosing. They are also looking for possible explanations for your symptoms, such as an underlying mental health condition that is co-occurring. A thorough assessment could take several hours and may require multiple appointments with a specialist. You must be honest when answering questions so that your doctor can assess your symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD cannot be confirmed without considering your past experiences, especially as a teenager or child. Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior and experiences, in addition to assessing your present symptoms. You will be asked for questionnaires as well as other tests such as cognitive assessments or rating scales. Bring these documents since your doctor will use them to assist in the assessment. Your doctor is also able to provide details from your medical records. Be aware that the NHS is not as extensive and may be slow to provide an assessment. If you visit your GP with a concern that you may be suffering from ADHD The doctor should take it seriously and refer you for an assessment, typically using the Right to Choose pathway. If your GP decides that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain why. It is usually because another condition, such as depression or anxiety is more likely to explain your symptoms. It is crucial to remember that you can request a private evaluation if you are not satisfied with the results of your examination. At the Adult ADHD Clinic, Dr Cubbin receives referrals from GPs via the Right to Choose scheme, and she is also happy to consult patients privately. This means that you can get an assessment fast and efficiently, without the NHS waiting list. You can discuss treatment options and begin to manage your symptoms, to ensure they don't affect your work or your relationships. Why should I be evaluated for ADHD? A diagnosis of ADHD can have a significant impact on a person. It can alter how people approach their work, relationships and family life. Many adults who seek diagnosis feel relieved to finally understand why they struggled at school and later as an adult. However, for others a diagnosis can bring up many emotions and can be a challenge to manage. Achieving an ADHD assessment is the first step towards understanding and addressing your symptoms. The process can be a bit confusing for those who aren't sure where to begin, especially with the long NHS waiting times and costly private assessments. This guide is meant to help. The first step to getting an ADHD assessment is to speak to your GP. Your GP should take your symptoms seriously and discuss them with you and ask questions about how they impact your life. They'll also inquire whether you suffer from other symptoms, like anxiety or depression. They will then refer you to a mental health specialist usually a psychiatrist with training in neurodevelopmental disorders. You will be asked to complete some pre-screening questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can be accessed via your portal's dashboard online and should be completed prior to the appointment time, so that your doctor has time to go through them prior to the appointment. The psychiatrist will conduct a thorough medical-psychiatric evaluation together with you. They will inquire about your childhood, family history and current symptoms. They may also request to interview additional people, such as your partner or children. During the consultation, the psychiatrist will look for indications of ADHD and any other physical or psychological issues you may be suffering from. The psychiatrist will then make a determination whether or not that you have ADHD and what treatment is required. This will include a discussion of psychosocial interventions and medications (if necessary). The clinician will draft a report which will be provided to your GP outlining the results of your evaluation. The clinician will then recommend a plan of treatment that you and your GP can agree upon. How can I get an ADHD assessment? Adults who wish to address ADHD symptoms may find it frustrating that getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS can take as long as two years. If you're looking to skip the NHS wait times there are a variety of private options to choose from. Before scheduling an appointment with an expert, it's worth familiarising yourself with the traits and symptoms of adult ADHD so that you know what to expect. You can also record specific examples from your personal life to share during the test. You will be asked to rate the severity of your symptoms in various situations, and also to provide examples of how they've affected your professional, personal or family life. These tests are designed to identify any possible issues and determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD. The psychiatrist will put together a report and discuss what you might require to do next including any recommendations for treatment. A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help improve your overall health and how you manage your relationships and your life. You can also get access to a variety of treatments and interventions that can help you manage the symptoms of adult ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. For an ADHD assessment, you should first visit your GP to explain the reason you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be able take you seriously, ask if you have any evidence and recommend an assessment for diagnosis. Private psychiatric assessments are typically performed by professionals with vast experience treating people suffering from neurodevelopmental issues like ADHD. They are also familiar with diagnosing and treating disorders like anxiety or depression. If you reside in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and you are a resident of Northern Ireland, you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS through a 'Right to Choose' procedure. To use this option, you need to see your GP and ask them to make an appointment with Psych-UK Ltd under 'Right to Choose for an adult ADHD assessment and treatment plan. What is https://output.jsbin.com/soyasohiga/ for an ADHD assessment? If you've noticed signs of ADHD or other disorders, it might be time to speak with an expert. This will allow you to be more precise in diagnosing which could lead to better management and treatment of your ADHD symptoms. You can only be diagnosed with ADHD following an exhaustive medical assessment by a licensed healthcare professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. These assessments typically involve detailed personal history, observations, and feedback from your family and friends. During your visit the psychiatrist you consult with will ask you questions about your medical history and family history. You will be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales that aid your doctor in assessing the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities. Dr. Cubbin will give you a an extensive ADHD report at the end of your appointment. With your permission, he will send this report to your GP to ensure they know the results of your evaluation and any treatment recommendations. There are some people who opt to pay privately for their ADHD assessment and treatment. This can be a good option if you're not sure whether your GP will accept an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement, or if you do not want to wait on the NHS waiting list for an appointment. However, it is important to note that the existence of a private diagnosis does not necessarily mean that you'll be eligible for benefits such as PIP (formerly Disability Living Allowance). Use our ADHD adult screening test to find out more about this condition and whether it's affecting your everyday life. You can also download a letter from ADHD UK to present to your GP asking for referral to an NHS ADHD assessment.