ADHD Assessment - Is it Time For Adults to Get a Diagnosis? ADHD services in the UK are at a critical juncture. The condition is becoming widely recognized, but the resources are scarce and waiting times are long. GPs are able to relay symptoms and answer questions, but cannot diagnose ADHD or deny a diagnosis from a specialist physician. This is a decision that only a psychiatrist can make. What is ADHD assessment? ADHD is a complex disorder and accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a seasoned specialist. The evaluator will examine your symptoms and ask you questions, then compare them with current guidelines for diagnosis. They also look for possible explanations for your symptoms, for instance co-occurring mental health issues. Thorough evaluations take a few hours and could require more than one visit with the doctor. You must be honest in answering questions so that your doctor can accurately assess your symptoms. It is crucial to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD cannot be confirmed without examining your history, particularly as a child or teenager. Your specialist will ask questions about your behavior and experiences, in addition to the current symptoms. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires as well as other tests such as ratings scales or cognitive assessments. It is recommended to bring a copy of these with you as they will be used by your specialist to aid in the assessment process. Your doctor can also provide details from your medical records. It is important to be aware that the NHS has many limitations and it can be very slow to get an assessment. If you visit your GP in the hope that you may have ADHD They should be aware of it and refer you for an assessment, typically following the Right to Choose pathway. If your GP determines that you do not meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide you with a reason why. Often, it will be because a different disorder, like anxiety or depression, better explains your symptoms. It is important to know that you are entitled to seek a private examination in the event that you are not satisfied with the conclusions of your evaluation. At the Adult ADHD Clinic, Dr Cubbin accepts referrals from GPs via the Right to Choose scheme, and she's also willing to consult patients privately. This means you can get an assessment fast and efficiently, without the NHS waiting list. You can then discuss treatment options and begin to manage your symptoms, so that they don't affect your work or relationships. Why should I be assessed for ADHD? A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on an individual. It can change how people view work, relationships and family life. Many adults who seek a diagnosis feel relieved to finally understand the reasons they struggled in school and as an adult. For some, a diagnosis can trigger a range emotions and be difficult to manage. Achieving an ADHD assessment is the first step in understanding and addressing your symptoms. However it can be a daunting task, especially with NHS waiting times long and private assessments costly the process can seem like a maze for those who don't know where to begin. This guide is meant to help. The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment is to talk to your GP. Your GP will discuss your symptoms with you and ask questions about the impact they have on your life. They will also ask if you have other symptoms, for instance anxiety or depression. They will then refer you to a mental health specialist, often a psychiatrist with training in neurodevelopmental disorders. You will be asked to fill in some pre-screening questions prior to your appointment. These are accessible through your portal's dashboard online and should be completed prior to the appointment so that your doctor has time to go through them prior to the appointment. A psychiatrist will then conduct a detailed medical and psychiatric consultation with you. They will ask you about your family history, childhood and current symptoms. They may also ask to speak with your partner or your child. During the interview, the psychiatrist will be looking for signs of ADHD as well as any other psychological or physical ailments you might have. The psychiatrist will decide whether they believe you suffer from ADHD and what type of treatment is required. This will include a discussion of medication and psychosocial intervention (if appropriate). The doctor will write a report that will be provided to your GP outlining the results of your assessment. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which can be agreed jointly between you and your GP. How do I get an ADHD assessment? Getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS can take up to two years - which can be very frustrating for those who are adults and want to address their symptoms. There are several private options to avoid the NHS waiting times. Before scheduling an appointment with an expert, it's worth knowing the signs and signs of adult ADHD so that you know what to expect. You can also record specific examples from your own life to talk about during the test. You'll be asked to rate your behaviours in different situations and give examples of how these behaviors have impacted your professional, personal or family life. These questionnaires are meant to pinpoint any issues and determine if you have ADHD. The psychiatrist will create reports and will discuss with you what you may require to do. This may include any treatment recommendations. A correct diagnosis of ADHD can improve your wellbeing and how you manage relationships and your life. It can also enable you to access a range of interventions and treatments that can help with the symptoms of adult ADHD such as cognitive behavioural therapy or medication. The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment is to go to your GP and explain the reason you think you may be suffering from symptoms of ADHD. Your GP must be able to take your concerns seriously and ask whether there is any evidence to support this, and refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation. Private psychiatric examinations are typically done by experts who have extensive experience working with patients suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. They are also familiar with assessing and treating conditions like anxiety or depression. If you reside in England or Scotland and are eligible, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS through a 'Right To Choose" procedure. You can make use of this option by asking your GP to refer you to Psych-UK Ltd for an adult ADHD assessment and treatment plan under the 'Right to Choose.' What is the cost of an ADHD assessment? If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD for some time and you are still struggling, it could be time to consider getting a GP appointment with an expert in the field. This will allow you to be more precise in diagnosing and can result in better treatment and management of your ADHD symptoms. You can only be diagnosed with ADHD following an extensive medical examination by a licensed healthcare professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. These assessments usually involve an extensive personal history and observations, and also feedback from friends and family. During https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ consult with will talk to you about the difficulties you are experiencing and may ask you questions regarding your family and medical history. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales to help your doctor assess the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. At the end of your consultation, Dr Cubbin will draft an extensive ADHD assessment report. Dr. Cubbin will then send the report on your ADHD assessment to your GP with your permission. Some people opt to pay privately for the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. This could be a great 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 be on the NHS waiting list to get an appointment. However, it is important to note that the existence of a private diagnosis does not necessarily mean you will be eligible for benefits such as PIP (formerly Disability Living Allowance). Take our ADHD adult screening test to find out more about this condition and whether it is affecting your daily life. You can also download a form letter from ADHD UK to hand to your GP to ask them to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.