ADHD UK Assessment
If you think you have ADHD it is essential to discuss this with your GP. They can discuss your symptoms and enquire about any other mental health issues you might be suffering from.
NHS patients in England have a legal right to pick their own mental health provider and team. This includes access to ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects the way signals are transferred between brain cells. This can lead to issues with learning, organization, and paying attention. It can also make managing issues like self-control and making the right choices more difficult. People with ADHD are often angry and discontent and have a difficult time to manage routines and tasks that others consider easy. They might also be suffering from emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or low mood.
Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed or receive the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling to handle the increasing assessment requests, with some areas having waits that exceed two years. Some have stopped taking new referrals altogether according to BBC's Freedom of Information requests. The Freedom of Information requests reveal that a few doctors have stopped accepting referrals completely.
GPs are required to take the claims of people who believe they are suffering from symptoms of ADHD seriously, and refer them for an assessment. They must follow NICE guidelines that require that the assessment be conducted by an expert ADHD nurse or psychiatrist (or any other "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" [NICE]).
For those who are on waiting lists for an NHS assessment, it is possible to take the matter into their own hands and request an assessment that is private. This can be done through the Right to Choose path, in which a patient's doctor agrees to refer them for an ADHD assessment to a preferred provider. To do this, they must discuss the individual's concerns with them and explain why they would like an assessment of the symptoms of ADHD by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
There are a variety of providers offering private ADHD assessments, with some offering titration to medications through the NHS after the assessment. Psychiatry UK is the largest provider, and they provide information on how you can access their services via Right to Choose. They also have a letter that you can download that you can hand to your GP.
Common signs of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can impact the focus of a person, their ability to maintain control and manage their emotions. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are all symptoms of ADHD. While many people may be struggling with these issues, those who are diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis experience problems that are significantly beyond what is expected for their age or developmental stage. These issues can affect their ability to be successful at home and work, and cause problems in relationships.
Inattention means that an individual struggles to remain focused and engaged, often getting distracted easily and losing track of what they are doing. They may also have difficulty organizing their thoughts and following instructions. Hyperactivity is a typical symptom of ADHD and can manifest as excessive tapping, fidgeting or talking. Impulsivity is a tendency to act quickly without considering the consequences or seeking instant gratification.
Some people suffering from ADHD may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They could also be constantly criticized by their peers for their naivety and indiscreetness. They can also suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. The challenges that people with ADHD confront can become more difficult throughout their lives, such as, when they move out of the home they grew up in and into work or study. New stressors, like relationship problems, financial pressures and expectations from parents can also affect them.
If you think you might have ADHD, it is important to talk to your GP. They can assist you in deciding whether an NHS ADHD assessment would be beneficial and then refer you to a service that is suitable for your needs. This could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
During the consultation process, your GP will take an in-depth account of your past and present issues. They will inquire about your family and social life. They will also perform an examination to rule other conditions such as depression or anxiety. They will also review any previous reports or assessments and will review your medication.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns of long waiting lists for assessment and ADHD services struggling to cope with the demand. To grasp the extent of the issue, we sent FOI requests to each NHS trust in England that manages ADHD services. We discovered that, on average, people have to wait for more than six months for an appointment.
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause issues for adults that are even more difficult than the children's. They may have issues with relationships issues, career problems and a general sense of being unfulfilled. They are unable to keep a job, following corporate rules or meeting deadlines. They may also not be able to manage their finances effectively and get into debt because of their excessive spending. They may have difficulty staying healthy due to a poor diet or an inability to sit or concentrate for long durations of time.
Adults with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose and treat than children. This is primarily due to the fact that medical experts have preconceived notions about the way people with ADHD appear. This is particularly true if the patient is of color, was a female at birth, or doesn't speak English natively. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from mental health issues that resemble ADHD symptoms, including anxiety or depression.
Adult ADHD is characterized by a lack of rest and an inability or unwillingness to sit still. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be anxious and stressed, which can make them feel overwhelmed by the daily events. They might also have trouble controlling their emotions, and suffer from depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
In some instances, adults with ADHD may not be aware that 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 leave school or at the home of their parents. They may be causing problems when they take on new roles at work and in life.
In an effort to reduce the issue of delays in receiving an NHS ADHD assessment, Nice has ratified the use of an electronic test to speed up diagnosis. The test will be available to psychiatrists and specialists for children in England to test the six-to-17-year-olds. The QbTest is able to determine if an infant or young child is suffering from the three main signs of ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It will help to improve outcomes for children with ADHD by reducing the time it takes to diagnose the disorder.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD in children
If your child's issues have significant effects on their the way they live, you may ask your GP to refer your child to a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. You can then get a specialist assessment which covers both your mental health and ADHD. Nurses or psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
assessments for adhd should be structured in a semi-structured manner to permit the collection of symptom and impairment data that are crucial in determining ADHD. This should include open-ended questions to encourage a open and honest response, as well as the assessor using real-life scenarios to probe deeper than the initial clinical impression (which could be inaccurate). It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments, and additional criteria are fully explored.
It is vital that a screen for other mental health issues is performed, especially those which can mimic the symptoms of ADHD or are frequently comorbid with it, including bipolar disorder and depression. It is also important to determine whether there is an history of abuse of substances and/or an eating disorder or eating disorder, as these could affect the outcome of the diagnosis of ADHD, particularly when untreated.
The NHS assessment process can be long and frustrating for those suffering from ADHD. It is usually caused by the lack of clarity on the criteria for assessment and the fact that many healthcare professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD "looks like". This can lead to people be wrongly diagnosed or not diagnosed at any or even to unacceptable long waiting lists for assessments.
The results of the test 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 it is a referral to your GP to be treated together). This may include a discussion of the options for medication. It is crucial to remember that the diagnosis is only the start of the management journey. It is also crucial that a discussion of the wider educational and psychosocial aspects of managing ADHD are part of the post-diagnostic discussion that NICE recommends.