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ADHD Assessment – Is it Time For Adults to Get a Diagnosis? The UK's ADHD services are at a critical point. The condition is becoming well-known, however resources are limited and waiting times are lengthy. GPs can communicate symptoms and answer questions, but cannot diagnose ADHD or refuse the diagnosis of an expert clinician. This is a decision that only a psychiatrist can make. What is an ADHD assessment? ADHD is a challenging disorder, and an accurate diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified specialist. The evaluator will listen to your symptoms and ask you questions and then compare them to current diagnostic guidelines. They also look for other possible explanations for your symptoms, such as the co-occurring mental health. A thorough assessment could take several hours and may require multiple visits with the doctor. You must be honest in answering questions so that the doctor can evaluate your symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD cannot be confirmed without looking at your history, particularly as a child or teenager. Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior and experiences, and also assessing your current symptoms. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires and other tests, such as rating scales or cognitive assessments. It is important to carry copies of these with you, as they will be used by your specialist to assist in the assessment process. Your GP can also provide information from your medical record. It's important to remember that the NHS has its limitations, and it can be slow to receive an assessment. If you visit your GP with the concern that you might have ADHD, they should take it seriously and refer you to an assessment, typically using the Right to Choose pathway. If your GP finds that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD and they explain why. It is usually due to another medical disorder, like depression or anxiety is more likely to explain your symptoms. It is important to note that you have the right to request a private evaluation in the event that you are not satisfied with the outcome of your examination. At the Adult ADHD Clinic, Dr Cubbin accepts referrals from GPs under the Right to Choose scheme, and she's also willing to consult patients privately. www.iampsychiatry.uk can receive an assessment quickly efficiently, effectively and without waiting for the NHS. You can discuss treatment options and begin to manage your symptoms to ensure they don't affect your work or your relationships. Why do I require an ADHD assessment? A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on a person. It can impact how people handle their relationships, work and family. Many adults who seek a diagnosis find it a relief to understand why they struggled in school and as an adult. For others, a diagnosis can bring up an array of emotions and can be difficult to cope with. Achieving an ADHD assessment is the first step to understanding and addressing your symptoms. However, with NHS waiting times long and private assessments costly, the process can feel like a maze for those who don't know where to begin. This guide is intended to help. The first step to getting an ADHD assessment is to speak to your GP. Your GP will discuss your symptoms with you and ask questions about their impact on your life. They'll also ask whether you are suffering from other symptoms, for instance depression or anxiety. They will then refer you to a mental health specialist usually a psychiatrist who is trained in neurodevelopmental disorders. You will be asked to fill out some pre-screening questionnaires prior to your appointment. These are accessible via your portal's dashboard. They must be completed prior to your appointment so that your psychiatrist has time to read the questionnaires. The psychiatrist will conduct an in-depth medical-psychiatric evaluation together with you. They will ask about your childhood, family history and the current symptoms. They may also want to interview your partner or your child. During the interview, the psychiatrist will be looking for signs of ADHD and any other psychological or physical issues you may be suffering from. The psychiatrist will then make a determination whether or not they believe you have ADHD and what kind of treatment is needed. This will include a discussion of psychosocial intervention and medication (if applicable). The doctor will then write a report to forward to your GP, outlining the outcome of your examination. The doctor will then suggest a plan of treatment that you and your GP can agree on. How can I get an ADHD assessment? Getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS can take two or more years – which can be extremely frustrating for those who are adults and want to treat their symptoms. There are several private options for you to stay clear of the NHS waiting times. It is essential to become familiar with the signs and characteristics of adult ADHD prior to making an appointment so that you are prepared. It is also helpful to record instances of these issues in your own life, which you can discuss during the assessment. You will also be asked to assess the severity of your symptoms in a variety of situations, and provide examples on how they have affected your professional, personal or family life. These questionnaires are designed to uncover potential issues and determine if you suffer from ADHD. The psychiatrist will put together an assessment and outline what you need to do in the future, including any recommendations for treatment. If you suffer from ADHD, a correct diagnosis can help improve your health and better how you manage your life and relationships. It can also enable you to access a variety of interventions and treatments that can help with the symptoms of adult ADHD such as cognitive behavioural therapy or medication. The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment is to visit your GP and explain the reason you think you have symptoms of ADHD. Your GP should take you seriously and ask whether there is evidence of this, and refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation. Private psychiatric examinations are typically done by experts who have years of experience working with people with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. They will also have experience of assessing and treating other conditions such as depression and anxiety. If you live in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and you are a resident of Northern Ireland, you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS through a 'Right To Choose' process. You can make use of this option by asking your GP to refer you to Psych-UK Ltd for an adult ADHD assessment and treatment plan under 'Right to Choose.' What is the cost of an ADHD assessment? If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it may be time to speak with an expert. This will help you get a more accurate diagnose and can result in better treatment and management of your ADHD symptoms. It is only possible to be diagnosed with ADHD following an exhaustive medical assessment by a licensed healthcare professional like psychologist or psychiatrist. These assessments typically involve an extensive personal history, observation, and feedback from your family and acquaintances. During your consultation, your consultant psychiatrist might ask you questions regarding your medical history and family history. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems that will help your doctor assess the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Dr. Cubbin will give you a complete ADHD report at the end of your appointment. Dr. Cubbin will then send the report on your ADHD assessment to your GP with your permission. Some people prefer to pay privately for treatment and assessment of ADHD. This can be a good alternative if you're not certain if your GP will accept the Shared Care Agreement, or if you do not want to be on the NHS waiting list for an appointment. It is important to remember that a private diagnoses does not mean that you will automatically be eligible for benefits like PIP (formerly Disability Living Allowance). If you're thinking of getting an ADHD assessment, use our adult ADHD screener today and learn more about the condition and find out if it might be affecting your life. You can also download a letter from ADHD UK to hand to your GP to ask for referral to an NHS ADHD assessment.