ADHD Assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD assessment is generally an extremely thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment, and will rule out other disorders like depression or thyroid. They may also request old school reports and other supporting evidence.
It is crucial that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD expert. This is the case for psychiatrists as well as GPs.
Waiting times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. This is despite the fact that the condition is recognised as an extremely serious mental health condition and that it has significant impacts on people's lives. In some areas, waiting time can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.
The issue is being amplified by the increasing awareness of the condition, as well as a rise in the demand for treatments. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a large number of patients are opting to seek treatment from private providers. This is made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose for private health care from any provider.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in parts of the country. The number of adults requesting an assessment has grown exponentially and is currently surpassing its capacity. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in dealing with adults and are better able to recognize the subtleties of ADHD. They are more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which can often accompany ADHD.
Many people are worried about the quality of private assessments and the possibility for them to overdiagnose the condition. The issue came to the public's attention after a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the way in which some private clinics were awarding diagnoses without due process. Some have accused the program of inciting stereotypes and stigmatizing people with ADHD.
However, the BBC should be commended for exposing this issue and highlighting the suffering of adults who need an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some people who require this help are being required to seek it privately and the NHS should come up with ways to deal with the issue. In the meantime, if you suspect you may have ADHD You can try the free test offered by an organization, or request an assessment from private psychiatrists. These are typically cheaper than the NHS however they will not give a prescription for medication.
Second opinion
It is important to seek a diagnosis if you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will enable you to take the necessary steps to manage your symptoms, including medication. You may also be referred to a psychiatrist for additional treatment. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and adjustment. These clinics are generally familiar with the vast range of adults who may have ADHD, including men and women. They can also test for co-morbidities like anxiety and depression.
Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they are typically much quicker than NHS waiting times. You will typically pay for the initial assessment, and then arrange follow-up appointments if necessary. If you are insured that covers you, it is likely to cover these appointments. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are trained and have a specific interest in ADHD. The initial appointment will typically include clinical interviews and rating scales. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires, and you may be referred for further tests like an MRI or EEG.
A private clinic will cost you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time and titration fees. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and this can be cheaper. However, the process of titration takes longer and requires additional appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited for three years for an NHS assessment, before turning to a clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation exposed a variety of cases in which patients were diagnosed of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is a problem because it can be extremely distressing for people to be incorrectly identified, and some of them were given medication that causes negative side effects.
In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as titration. Most health insurers cover these assessments however it is worth checking with your insurer to determine if your policy will cover it.
Referral to a specialist clinic
If your GP refers to a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask questions and conduct an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they are in line with the criteria for diagnosis. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that might be present. Most of the time, these are depression and anxiety. The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options and medications if needed.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be asked questions about your family background as well as current problems at home and work. They will also inquire about any medications that you are taking. The interview will be structured and you can bring an adult or a relative to assist you through the process. The test will typically require a few sessions to reach an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics offer a comprehensive evaluation, while others will only test specific symptoms.
Panorama's investigation into the inadequate provision of ADHD services in the NHS has brought it to light. The undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his GP insisted that he was not suffering from the condition. The BBC claimed that the story was an example of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However, GPs are only allowed to refer patients to further examination or prescribe medications when they adhere to strict guidelines.
Many GPs will refuse to sign an agreement for shared care with the NHS and is the only way that they can transfer their patient's care to the NHS following the patient has received a private diagnosis. They feel they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. Also, GPs should be aware that many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication, which could make it difficult for patients to receive the care they require.
If your GP hasn't referred you for an ADHD assessment and treatment, ask them to refer you. You can find out the estimated waiting time by calling your local mental health service or using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you choose an online ADHD assessment service, which will be provided by the NHS.
cost of private adhd assessment uk of diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It not only helps individuals better understand themselves as well as help them and their family and friends better support them. It also helps them determine the best treatment strategy. It's not always easy to get a diagnosis. Especially in the UK where people are waiting for long periods for an assessment by the NHS. This can cause frustration for those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you cannot wait, you can self-refer to a specialist psychiatrist for a private assessment. This will help you save time and a trip to your GP. This isn't a fast procedure and could take months, but it will give you an accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. It is essential to ensure that the person who conducts your test is a psychiatrist or psychologist because they are the only healthcare professionals who are competent to diagnose ADHD in the UK.
A private evaluation could involve an interview with a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Questions will be asked about your mental health, childhood experiences and other factors. The doctor will employ rating scales to inquire about your current challenges at work, in school or in relationships. They will also discuss any other symptoms you have which could be indicative of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then provide a thorough ADHD report to your GP with your permission. If appropriate, they will also prescribe medication. They can also assist you to get other types of support, such as mentoring and study skills support. They will also help you in applying for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at a university.
While it is not ideal to make shortcuts but the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners using online assessments or private clinics with fast appointments but with not having any expert clinical knowledge. These methods should be avoided. However, those with ADHD should still seek out a diagnosis if they can afford it.