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ADHD Assessment in the UK A full diagnostic assessment is vital for a precise diagnosis. This includes screening questionnaires that are sent out prior to and an interview with you, an individual who has been with you since childhood, analysis of historic school reports (if available) and a complete psychiatric consultation. The NHS has specific guidelines for ADHD assessments. However, many people choose to consult a private healthcare provider to expedite the process and avoid lengthy waiting lists. What is ADHD assessment? A healthcare professional can listen to your concerns and assist you to get to the bottom of them with an ADHD assessment. You will be working with a qualified psychiatrist to determine what is going on and how it may be impacting your daily life. They will assess you using various tools such as symptoms checklists and scales of behaviour. They will also take into consideration any family history or previous experiences with mental health issues. The psychiatrist will then confirm which of three main subtypes that you may have. The specialist will also confirm the absence of any other psychological or medical conditions that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. This is crucial because if another condition is mistaken for ADHD the patient could be treated incorrectly and the symptoms of ADHD might not improve. The specialist will also determine the severity of the symptoms and how these affect your daily life using the same criteria as an NHS specialist. It is recommended to make a list of questions or concerns that you may have prior to the time. This will ensure that your requirements are fulfilled and that no need is left unanswered. It is also a good idea to make notes of any particular problems you've experienced. It is easier to remember these issues better by writing them down. It will also make the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis more effective. Bring any relevant documents to your appointment. This could include any performance evaluations you receive from your job or old reports from school. If you have any health or educational records that can be used to demonstrate the effects of ADHD on your life, these are useful for the specialist to have in hand also. You might be required to fill out questionnaires for pre-screening prior to your appointment. You can access them by logging in to your portal dashboard. They are typically available for you to complete prior to meeting with the psychiatrist. This should be done as early as possible, as it will reduce your waiting time. How do I get an ADHD evaluation? If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and you are unable to determine the cause, a diagnosis could be the first step to getting the help and support you require. In the UK doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD but can refer for an assessment to a psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals in the nation who are qualified to determine the diagnosis (and prescribe medication when needed). The NHS will cover an ADHD assessment with a psychiatrist or psychologist. The assessment will last between 45 and 90 minutes. You will be asked questions regarding your general mental health, your family's history of mental health and the symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will also examine any other medical or psychological conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing. In addition to asking about your current symptoms, your doctor will ask if you have experienced similar issues in the past. This is because the current guidelines for diagnosis indicate that you can be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult when the symptoms have been present since childhood. If you've experienced these symptoms as an adult Your doctor will inquire whether your issues have progressed or worsened over time. They will also consider any other factors which can affect your symptoms, like stress and anxiety. They may also suggest that you join an organization-based ADHD education and support programme or refer you to other therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy. If you live in England and are having difficulties accessing a NHS-funded ADHD evaluation, you can benefit from your Right to Choose. You can opt to take a private assessment if the NHS wait time is too long or you don't want to wait around at all. Private assessments can be more expensive but will give you access to treatment. Your doctor will provide you with a thorough report that you can present to your GP. They will also discuss any other treatment options they recommend to you. They can also provide recommendation letters to your workplace or school when requested. It could be an additional cost based on the amount of time required to write the letter. What happens during getting an assessment for adhd ? A psychiatric examination is the first step in an ADHD assessment. Your doctor will review your symptom history and ask questions about your health, development and family life. They will also utilize standard questionnaires that will be mailed to you beforehand. They might also request opinions from your teachers, friends and coaches, as well as spouses. The interviews are not designed to criticise you, but to help determine other factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. During the interview, your doctor might look at any documents you bring in, like copies of your previous psychological tests or old school reports. The evaluator will also spend time talking with the person who knows you best like a spouse, sibling or parent. This is primarily to collect information about your childhood experiences as you may have forgotten some details or the behaviours might have changed with age. The psychiatrist will also analyse the information you've provided on the standardised questionnaires before the appointment, to ensure they have a complete picture of your symptoms. They will also examine any other historical data such as school records from the past or a medical or neurological examination. This is to make sure that you meet the standardized 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. Adults must exhibit at least five symptoms established during the same time frame. Your psychiatrist will then conduct a medical interview in person with you after gathering all relevant details. The psychiatrist will review the information gathered to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. This usually involves going through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V) rating scales to determine if your symptoms fit the criteria. If your doctor determines that you have ADHD They will write a report for your GP. The doctor will then decide on an appropriate treatment plan which could include the use of pharmacological (medication) or psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you have the right to choose your healthcare provider. If you don't want to wait to get an ADHD assessment from the NHS, you can see your own private doctor. What happens following an ADHD assessment? A professional ADHD diagnosis could transform your life. It can help you access treatment, and it could also reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt about your symptoms. If you suspect that your child or you are suffering from ADHD The first step is to discuss it with an GP. They can refer you to a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals qualified in the UK to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients may wait for months for an appointment. Many prefer to seek out private treatment. Once you've been recommended for an assessment and/or your child will be interviewed in person by the clinician. The interview will include topics such as development, health, family history, and lifestyle. The physician may also want to speak to other people, such as teachers, coaches or daycare providers. This isn't a way to verify your answers, but to discover more about how your symptoms affect you or your child in different situations. The doctor will use scales of rating to determine the frequency of specific symptoms such as anxiety or difficulty focusing. This will help determine if you meet the standardized criteria for ADHD. They will also discuss whether you suffer from any other issues, such as anxiety and depression. It is essential to inform your doctor if you have an family history of ADHD in your family. Genetics can influence the likelihood of developing the disorder. Following the psychiatric examination your doctor will write up a comprehensive report that you can take to your GP. The report will include a thorough diagnosis as well as a treatment recommendation. If you are an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your GP might suggest a trial of medication. If the medication works it is important to inform your insurance company as well as the DVLA as you will be required to renew your driving license. Your therapist may recommend that you and your child attend a parenting class to learn together how to manage ADHD. This will improve your relationship with your child and help you become an empathetic and confident parent.