ADHD UK Assessment
If you think you have ADHD it is essential to talk about it with your GP. They can discuss your symptoms and inquire about any other mental health conditions you may have.
NHS patients in England are legally entitled to select their mental health provider. This includes accessing ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a mental illness that affects the way that signals are transmitted between brain cells. This can result in difficulties with learning, organisation and paying attention. It can also cause problems with managing issues with self-control and making the right decisions more difficult. People suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and angry, and have difficulties coping with routines and tasks that others can manage easily. They might also be suffering from emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety or low mood.
People suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or given the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling to cope with the increasing assessment requests and some areas have waits of more than two years. Some have stopped accepting new referrals according to BBC's Freedom of Information requests. The BBC's Freedom of Information requests reveal that certain doctors have stopped accepting referrals completely.
The GP is required to take the claims made by people who suspect they suffer from symptoms of ADHD seriously and refer them to an assessment. They must adhere to NICE guidelines which require an assessment to be carried out by a specialist ADHD psychiatrist or nurse (or any other "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" (NICE)).
For those who are on waiting lists for an NHS assessment, it's possible to take the matter to their own and request a private diagnosis. This can be done via the Right to Choose pathway, where a doctor accepts to refer the patient for an ADHD assessment to the preferred provider. To achieve this, they must discuss the person's concerns with them and explain that they'd like to have an assessment of the symptoms of ADHD by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
Many private ADHD assessment providers offer titration of medication through the NHS after the assessment. The largest is Psychiatry UK, who provide details on how to access their service through Right to Choose, including an online letter that you can hand to your GP.
Common Signs and symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can impact the ability of an individual to focus, maintain control and manage their emotions. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are all symptoms. While a lot of people struggle with these problems, those diagnosed with ADHD have issues that are notably beyond what is expected of their age or level of development. These issues hinder their ability to be successful at work and at home and may cause issues in relationships.
Inattention means that an individual struggles to remain focused and engaged and is often easily distracted and losing the focus of what they are doing. add adhd assessment might also have difficulty organizing their thoughts and following instructions. Hyperactivity is a typical sign of ADHD. It could include excessive fidgeting or talking. Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly, without thinking about the consequences or seeking instant gratification.
Some people with ADHD might have trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may be frequently criticized by others for their forgetfulness and naughtiness. They can also experience low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. The challenges that people with ADHD face can increase throughout their lives, for instance when they move out of their home and into work or study. New stressors, such as financial pressures, relationship issues and expectations of parents can also affect them.
If you think you might have ADHD, it is important to talk with your GP. They can help you decide whether an NHS ADHD assessment would be beneficial and then recommend a service that meets your needs. This could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
During your consultation, your doctor will ask you questions about your family life and your social life. They will also perform an examination to rule out other issues, such as anxiety or depression. They will also look over any previous reports or assessments and review your medication.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns of long waiting lists for assessments and ADHD services that are struggling to keep up with the demand. We made FOI requests to get information to every NHS trust that provides ADHD services in England to determine the magnitude of the issue. We found that patients were waiting on average longer than six months for an appointment.
ADHD symptoms in adults
Unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause issues for adults that are even more difficult than the children's. They may struggle with relationship issues, career challenges and a feeling of general inadequacy. They are unable to keep an occupation, adhering to the corporate rules, or meeting deadlines. They might also have issues managing their finances and end up in debt because of impulsive purchases. They might have difficulty staying well due to poor nutrition or an inability to concentrate for long periods of time.
It is more difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated than in children, in part because medical professionals may have preconceived ideas about what people with the condition appear like. This is especially the case if they're an ethnic minority or gender, born female or are not native English speaker. Additionally, people with ADHD can be more likely to suffer from mental health issues that resemble the symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
Adult ADHD is characterized by restlessness and a reluctance to sit still. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be stressed and anxious, which can make them feel overwhelmed by daily life things. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, and may suffer from depression, anxiety or low self-esteem.
In certain instances, people with ADHD might not realize they have a problem until they reach adulthood and are afflicted with increased levels of stress and demands. The signs may not be apparent until they have left school or the home of their parents. They could be causing problems when they take on new roles in their work and life.
Nice has approved a digital test to speed up the time it takes to get an NHS ADHD assessment. The test will be made available to psychiatrists and pediatric specialists in England to assess six- to seventeen-year-olds. The QbTest will determine if a child or teenager is suffering from the three major ADHD characteristics - hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It can help improve the outcome of children suffering from ADHD by reducing the time it takes to diagnose the condition.
adhd assessment in children
If your child's issues are serious enough to have an impact on their daily functioning You can ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. You can then get a specialist assessment which covers both your mental health as well as ADHD. Nurses and psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
assessed for adhd should be semi-structured in order to allow for an elicitation of symptom and impairment information that are crucial in determining ADHD. The test should be open-ended questions that allow for an open response. The assessor can utilize real-world examples to go deeper than the "snapshot" impression of the patient. It is suggested to look into all DSM symptoms and criteria.
It is important to screen for any other mental disorders, particularly those that can be akin to ADHD symptoms or are often comorbid, such as depression and bipolar disorder. It is also essential to determine if there is an history of substance abuse and/or eating disorders, as they can have a major impact on the outcome of an ADHD diagnosis, especially if untreated.
The NHS assessment process is often long and frustrating for those suffering from ADHD. It is often because of a lack of understanding of the criteria for assessment, and the fact that healthcare professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD "looks like". This can result in people being misdiagnosed, or not being diagnosed in the first place, and often results in excessively long wait lists for assessments.
The result of the assessment should be documented in a document that explains whether the ADHD assessment criteria were fulfilled. It should also include the diagnosis as well as a discussion of the next steps. (Usually, the referral is to your GP to be treated jointly). This could include a review of the available medication options. It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis is only the beginning of the treatment journey. It is crucial that a discussion of the larger educational and psychosocial aspects of managing ADHD is included in the post-diagnostic discussion that NICE recommends.