ADHD Assessment - Is it Time For Adults to Get a Diagnosis? The UK's ADHD services are at a crossroads. The condition is getting more well-known, however the resources are scarce and waiting times are lengthy. GPs can communicate symptoms and answer questions, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or deny the diagnosis of an expert clinician. This is a decision that only a psychiatrist can make. What is an ADHD assessment? ADHD is a complex disorder and accurate diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by an experienced specialist. The examiner will examine your symptoms and ask questions, then compare them with current diagnostic guidelines. They also look for other possible causes for your symptoms, such as an underlying mental health. Comprehensive evaluations can take several hours and could require more than one visit with a specialist. It is essential to be honest when answering the questions to ensure that they are able to accurately assess your symptoms. It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is not confirmed until your past history, particularly when you were a teenager or child is taken into consideration. Your doctor will ask you questions about your past behavior and experiences, and also the present symptoms. You will be required to fill out questionnaires as well as other tests, like cognitive assessments and rating scales. It is recommended to bring copies of these with you, since they will be used by your physician to help in the assessment process. Your doctor is also able to provide information from your medical records. It is important to keep in mind that the NHS has its limitations, and it can be slow to receive an assessment. If you visit your GP and you express concern that you may have ADHD, he or she must be aware of this and recommend an assessment. If your GP finds that you do not fit the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain why. It is often because another condition like anxiety or depression better describes the symptoms. It is crucial to remember that you can request a private evaluation if you're not satisfied with the results of your evaluation. Dr. Cubbin accepts referrals from GPs via the Right to Choose program, and is willing to consult private patients. This means that you can access an assessment quickly and efficiently, avoiding the NHS waiting list. You can then discuss treatment options and manage your symptoms to ensure that they do not interfere in your relationships or work. Why do I need an ADHD assessment? A diagnosis of ADHD can have a significant impact on a person. It can impact how people handle their relationships, work and family. Many adults who seek out a diagnosis find it a relief to be able to comprehend why they struggled at school and later as an adult. For others the diagnosis can trigger a variety of emotions and be a struggle to manage. The first step in understanding and managing symptoms is to have an ADHD assessment. However it can be a daunting task, especially with NHS waiting times being lengthy and private assessments costing a lot the process can seem like a maze for those who don't know where to start. This guide is designed to help. Talk to your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment. Your GP should consider your symptoms seriously and talk to you about them asking questions about how they affect your life. They will ask whether you are suffering from other symptoms such as anxiety or depression. They can refer you to a mental health professional usually a psychiatrist who is trained in neurodevelopmental disorders. You will be asked to fill in some pre-screening questions prior to your appointment. These can be accessed via your portal's dashboard. They must be completed prior to your appointment time so that your psychiatrist has time to go through them. The psychiatrist will conduct a thorough medical-psychiatric exam together with you. They will ask about your childhood, family history and current symptoms. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ may also request to speak with your partner or child. During the interview, your psychiatrist will be looking for indicators of ADHD and any other psychological or medical issues you may have. The psychiatrist will decide whether they believe you have ADHD, and what type treatment is required. This will include a discussion of psychosocial interventions and medications (if appropriate). The clinician will then compose a report that they will send back to your GP informing them of the results of your examination. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment plan, which you and your GP can agree on. How do I get an ADHD assessment? Getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS could take up to two years, which can be very frustrating for adults who want to treat their symptoms. There are several private options if you want to avoid the NHS waiting time. Before scheduling an appointment with a specialist, it's worthwhile getting familiar with the characteristics and signs of adult ADHD so that you are aware of what to expect. You can also record specific examples from your own life to talk about during the examination. You will also be asked to assess the severity of your symptoms in a variety of situations, and provide examples on how they have affected your personal, professional or family life. These questionnaires are designed to pinpoint any issues and determine if you're suffering from ADHD. The psychiatrist will create a report, and discuss with you what you may require to do. This may include any treatment suggestions. If you are suffering from ADHD, an accurate diagnosis can result in better health and better how you manage your relationships and life. It can also allow you to access a range of interventions and treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of adult ADHD, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or medication. To receive an ADHD assessment, you must first visit your GP to explain the reason you believe you are suffering from ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be able to take you seriously, ask if you have any evidence and refer you for an assessment for diagnosis. Private psychiatric assessments are typically done by experts who have extensive experience working with patients suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD. They will also be familiar with assessing and treating issues such as anxiety or depression. If you reside in England or Scotland, you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS by utilizing a "Right to Choose" process. To be eligible, 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 clinical assessment and treatment plan. What is the cost of an ADHD assessment? If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD and have been experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it could be time to consult an expert. This will help you identify your ADHD symptoms more accurately and can result in better management and treatment of your ADHD symptoms. You will only be diagnosed with ADHD after an extensive medical examination by a licensed healthcare professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. These tests typically include a detailed personal history, observations and feedback from your family and acquaintances. During your appointment the psychiatrist you consult with will talk with you about the difficulties you are experiencing and may ask questions about your family history and medical history. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems that aid your doctor assess the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. Dr Cubbin will give you a an extensive ADHD report at the end of your appointment. If you give him permission, he will send this report to your GP so they know the results of your evaluation and any treatment recommendations. Some people prefer to pay privately for the assessment and treatment of ADHD. If you're unsure whether your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement or if waiting on the NHS list to schedule an appointment isn't something you'd like to do, this could be a great option. It is important to note that a private diagnoses does not mean that you will automatically qualify for benefits such as PIP (formerly Disability Living Allowance). If you are considering getting an ADHD assessment, use our adult ADHD screener today to learn more about the condition to find out whether it is affecting your life. You can also download a form letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP asking them to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.