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ADHD Assessment in the UK A complete diagnostic evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis. This will include screening questions sent out in advance, an interview with yourself and, ideally, someone you know well from your childhood, an analysis of old school reports (if they are available) as well as a thorough consultation. The NHS has guidelines that must be followed in order to conduct an ADHD assessment. However, many individuals choose to consult private healthcare providers to expedite the process and avoid lengthy waiting lists. What is an ADHD assessment? An ADHD assessment is a chance for a healthcare professional to listen to you and help you understand your issues. You will be working with a psychiatrist who is senior to get to the bottom of what's happening and how it is impacting your life. They will evaluate your condition using a variety of tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also take into account any family history of mental health issues and your past experiences. The psychiatrist can then confirm which of the three main subtypes you might have. The specialist will also determine if there are any other medical or psychological conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. This is important as if you are misdiagnosed with ADHD your symptoms may not improve. The specialist will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and how these affect your daily functioning using the same criteria as an NHS specialist. Make a list ahead of time of any concerns or questions you might have. This will ensure that your needs are met and that nothing is overlooked. It's also a good idea to make notes of any particular problems you've experienced. Having these written down can aid in remembering them and can aid in getting an ADHD diagnosis faster and more efficient. Bring any relevant paperwork to your appointment. You may bring old work or school report cards or even performance evaluations. You can also aid the expert by bringing any documents you may have that demonstrate how ADHD has affected your life. You might be asked to complete pre-screening questions prior to your appointment. You can access these when you log in to your portal dashboard. They are typically available for you to complete prior to meeting with the psychiatrist. adhd assessment in uk should make this appointment as soon as you can since it can cut down your wait time. How do I get an ADHD assessment? A diagnosis of ADHD is often the first step towards getting the help and support you require. In the UK the GP cannot diagnose ADHD but can refer for an assessment to a psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals in the country who are qualified to make the diagnosis (and prescribe medication if necessary). An NHS-funded ADHD assessment will be with an expert psychologist or psychiatrist. It will usually take 45-90 minutes. You will be asked questions regarding your general mental health and your family's mental health history and the symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will also take into consideration any other psychological and medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Your doctor will also inquire whether you've experienced similar problems. This is because the current guidelines for diagnosis suggest that you can only be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult if your symptoms have been present since childhood. If you've experienced these symptoms in your adult life your doctor will ask whether your issues have changed or worsened over the course of time. They will also examine any other factors that may affect your symptoms, like stress and anxiety. They might also suggest that you join a group-based ADHD education and support programme or suggest other treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy. If you reside in England and are having trouble getting an NHS-funded ADHD evaluation, you can benefit from your Right to Choose. This means you can opt to take a private assessment if you are happy with the wait time for an NHS assessment or if you wish to avoid waiting. Private assessments can be more expensive, but will grant you access to treatment. Your doctor will provide you with a detailed report that you can take to your GP. They will also discuss any medications or other treatment options recommended with you. If requested, they'll also send a recommendation letter your workplace or school. The cost can vary depending on the time it takes to write the letter. What happens during an ADHD assessment? An ADHD evaluation begins with a psychiatric consultation. Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your health, lifestyle as well as your family and development. They will also utilize standard questionnaires which will be sent to you beforehand. They will also interview other people, such as spouses, siblings or parents, and may ask friends, teachers or coaches for their opinion too. Interviews aren't intended to criticise, but rather to discover other causes that may be causing symptoms like anxiety or depressive disorders. During this interview the doctor will look at any records that you bring, such as the results of your work performance, copies of previous psychological tests or even old school reports. The evaluator may also visit with someone who knows you well, such as your spouse, sibling, or your parent. This is primarily to gather information on your childhood experiences as you may have forgotten some details or the behaviours might have changed with age. The psychiatrist will also analyze any information you have provided in the standardised questionnaires prior your appointment, so they have a complete picture of your symptoms. They will also review any other historical data like old school reports, or an examination for neurodevelopment or medical. This is to ensure that you meet the standard criteria for ADHD. For children, this is at least six established ADHD behaviors in one of the two categories of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity over a period of six months. For adults, this means at least five confirmed symptoms during the same time. Once they have gathered all relevant information Your psychiatrist will conduct an in-person clinical interview with you. They will review the information they've gathered and determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD. This means evaluating your symptoms using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). If your doctor determines that you have ADHD, they will prepare a report for your GP. The doctor will then choose the most appropriate treatment plan, which may involve pharmacological (medication) or psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you have a legal right to choose your own healthcare provider, so you can access your own private doctor for an ADHD assessment in the event that you don't want to wait for the NHS. What happens after an ADHD assessment? The process of getting a professional ADHD diagnosis can transform your life. It can help you get treatment and decrease anxiety or self-doubt. The first thing to do if you suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD is to consult with your GP. They can direct you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who is the only UK healthcare professional certified to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients can wait for months to receive an appointment, so many choose to go private instead. After you've been referred to an assessment, your clinician will meet with you or your child in person. The interview will include topics such as growth, health and family history, as well as lifestyle. The clinician may ask to speak to other people like teachers or daycare providers. This isn't meant to test your answers, but to understand how your symptoms impact your child or yourself in various situations. The clinician will also use rating scales to determine the frequency you experience specific symptoms such as restlessness and trouble staying focused. This will determine if are in line with the criteria for ADHD. They will also discuss whether there are any other issues that you might be dealing with such as depression or anxiety disorders. It is important to tell your doctor if you have an family history of ADHD in your family. Genetics can influence the likelihood of developing the condition. Your doctor will prepare an extensive report that you can present to your GP following the psychiatric examination. The report will include a thorough diagnosis as well as a treatment recommendation. If you have been diagnosed as an adult suffering from ADHD Your GP might suggest you try medication. If the medication is successful, you should tell the DVLA and your insurance company, since you will need to update your driver's license. If you are a parent with children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, your therapist might recommend that you attend a parenting group to learn how to manage the disorder with your child. This can improve your relationship with your child and assist you in becoming more confident and a better parent.