ADHD UK Assessment
If you suspect that you have ADHD it is essential to discuss this with your GP. They can discuss your symptoms and inquire about any other mental health issues you might be suffering from.
NHS patients in England have the legal right to select their own mental health provider and team. This includes access to ADHD assessment services.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a mental health disorder which affects the way signals are passed between brain cells. This can result in problems with learning, organisation and paying attention. It can also make it more difficult to manage problems such as issues with self-control and making the right decisions. People suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and irritable, and have trouble coping with routines and tasks that other people find easy. They may also be struggling with emotional issues, like anxiety, low mood and depression.
People with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or given the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling with the rise in demand for assessments. Some areas have waiting times that exceed two years. According to BBC Freedom of Information requests some have been refusing new referrals. This is causing frustration for those who are waiting lists, and even despair as they realize they will not receive an appointment in time to make any difference in their lives.
They must follow NICE guidelines, which require that the assessment is conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse (or another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [NICE"appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [NICE]). They must follow NICE guidelines that require that the assessment be conducted by a specialist ADHD nurse or psychiatrist (or any other "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" (NICE)).
If you're waiting to be considered for an NHS assessment, it's possible to take matters into their own hands and request an assessment that is private. This can be done via the Right to Choose path, in which a patient's doctor agrees to recommend them for an ADHD assessment to a preferred service. To make this happen, the GP must discuss with the patient about their concerns and explain why they want an assessment of ADHD symptoms by a psychiatrist.
There are a variety of providers offering private ADHD assessments, with some offering titration for medication through the NHS after the test. Psychiatry UK is the largest provider, and they offer information on how to access their services via Right to Choose. They also provide a printable letter you can send to a GP.
Common symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can affect the focus of a person, their ability to keep control, and their ability to manage emotions. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. While a lot of people struggle with these issues, those diagnosed with ADHD have issues that are far above what is typical of their age or developmental level. These issues affect their ability to succeed at work and at home and can cause difficulties in relationships.
assessed for adhd is when a person struggles to stay focused and on task, often getting distracted easily and losing the focus of what they are doing. They may also have trouble organizing their thoughts and following directions. Hyperactivity is a common feature of ADHD and can involve excessive tapping, fidgeting or talking. Impulsivity is the tendency to act quickly without considering the consequences or pursuing immediate gratification.
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to establish and maintain friendships and may be constantly ridiculed by others for their forgetfulness or naughtiness. They can also experience low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. The challenges people with ADHD encounter can grow throughout their lives, for example when they move out of the home they grew up in and into a job or school. New stressors, like relationships, financial pressures and expectations of parents can also affect them.
It is essential to talk to your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. They can help you determine whether an NHS ADHD assessment is helpful and recommend the right service for your needs. This could be an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
During the consultation process your doctor will take an in-depth account of your past and present issues. They will ask you about your family and social activities. They will also conduct an examination to rule other issues, such as depression or anxiety. They will also review any previous reports or assessments and examine your medications.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that ADHD services are struggling to cope with the demand and waiting lists for assessment are lengthy. In an attempt to grasp the extent of the issue, we sent FOI requests to each NHS trust in England that runs ADHD services. We found that, on average, people wait more than six months for an appointment.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults
For adults who suffer from ADHD, the problems caused by untreated symptoms could be more severe than in children. They may struggle with relationship issues, career problems and a general feeling of underachievement. They may have difficulty keeping their job and adhering to corporate guidelines or meeting deadlines. They might also have issues managing their finances and end up in debt as a result of impulsive purchases. They may struggle to stay healthy due to poor nutrition or inability to focus for long periods.
It can be harder for adults suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated than children, in part because medical experts may have preconceived notions about what people with the condition appear like. This is especially true if the person is a person of color, was not a female at birth, or does not speak English natively. Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that are similar to ADHD symptoms, including depression or anxiety.
Adult ADHD is characterised by a sense of restlessness and a reluctance to be still. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to be stressed and anxious and feel overwhelmed by the daily things. In addition, they may find it difficult to control their emotions and may be suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or mood fluctuations.
In certain instances, people with ADHD might not realize they have an issue until they reach the age of adulthood and experience increased levels of stress and demand. The symptoms may not be evident until they leave school or their parents' homes and may be causing them issues as they assume new roles in their work and life.
To address the issue of delays in receiving an NHS ADHD assessment, Nice has endorsed the use of a digital test to speed up diagnosis. 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 teen has the three main ADHD characteristics - hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It will decrease the time needed to determine ADHD and will improve the outcome for children and young adults who suffer from the condition.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD in Children
If your child's symptoms are having an impact on their your child's daily life If you notice a significant impact on their daily functioning, you may request your GP to refer your child to a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. You can then undergo a specialist assessment that covers the overall mental health of your child and the evaluation of ADHD. Nurses or psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
The assessment should be semi structured to allow for the elicitation and collection of information regarding symptoms and impairments, which are critical in the diagnosis of ADHD. This should include open-ended questions to encourage a open and honest response, with the examiner using real-world examples to probe deeper than the initial "snapshot" clinical impression (which could be misleading). It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments and additional criteria are thoroughly explored.
It is essential that a screening for other mental health issues is conducted, especially ones that can mimic symptoms of ADHD or are frequently comorbid with it, including bipolar disorder and depression. It is also crucial to determine if there's a past of substance abuse and/or eating disorders, as they can influence the outcome of an ADHD diagnosis, especially if untreated.
The NHS assessment process can be long and stressful for those with ADHD. It's usually due to a lack in the clarity of what is being assessed and also the fact that healthcare professionals have preconceived notions of what an individual with ADHD "looks like". This can cause people to be wrongly diagnosed or not diagnosed at any, and sometimes to unacceptably lengthy waiting lists for assessments.
The results of the test should be documented in a written report that explains if the ADHD assessment criteria were met. It should also document a formulation of the diagnosis and a discussion on the next steps (usually the referral to your GP for shared management). This may include a brief overview of treatment options. The assessment is only the beginning of the management journey. It is also essential to include a discussion of the psychosocial aspects of ADHD and educational aspects of ADHD in the post-diagnosis discussions as suggested by NICE.