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ADHD Assessment – Is it Time For Adults to Get a Diagnosis? ADHD services in the UK are at a critical juncture. The condition is becoming more widely recognized, but resources are limited and waiting times are long. GPs are able to relay symptoms and ask questions, but they are not able to diagnose ADHD nor refuse a diagnosis by an expert doctor. This is a clinical decision that is taken by a psychiatrist. What is an ADHD assessment? ADHD is a complex disorder and accurate diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by an experienced specialist. The evaluator is able to listen to your symptoms, asks you questions and examines them in relation to current diagnostic guidelines. They also search for other possible causes for your symptoms, for instance the co-occurring mental health. Thorough evaluations take a few hours and could require more than one appointment with a specialist. It is vital to be honest when answering the questions, so that they can accurately evaluate your symptoms. It is crucial to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD cannot be confirmed without examining your past experiences, especially as a teenager or child. Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior and experiences, and also assessing your present symptoms. You will be asked to complete questionnaires and other tests, like cognitive assessments and rating scales. Bring these documents with you since your doctor will use them to assist in the assessment. Your GP is also able to provide details from your medical records. Be aware that the NHS isn't as big and can be slow in getting an assessment. If you visit your GP and express concern that you might have ADHD, he or she must be aware of this and suggest an assessment. If your GP decides you do not meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and they give you an explanation for why. Most of the time, it is because another disorder, like depression or anxiety is more likely to explain your symptoms. It is crucial to remember that you can request a private assessment if you aren't satisfied with the results of your evaluation. At the Adult ADHD Clinic, Dr Cubbin receives referrals from GPs via the Right to Choose scheme, and she is also able to see patients privately. This means that you will be able to access an assessment quickly and efficiently, without the NHS waiting list. You can then discuss treatment options and begin to manage your symptoms so that they don't affect your work or relationships. Why should I be assessed for ADHD? A diagnosis of ADHD may have a profound impact on the person. It can change how people view work as well as relationships and family life. Many adults who seek a diagnosis feel relieved to understand why they struggled during school and into adulthood. For adult adhd assessment can bring on a range of emotions and be a challenge to deal with. The first step towards understanding and managing symptoms is to get an ADHD assessment. However the NHS waiting times being long and private assessments expensive it can be like a maze for those who aren't sure where to start. This guide is intended to aid. Speak to your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment. Your GP must be attentive to your symptoms and talk to you about them asking questions about how they affect your life. They will also ask whether you are suffering from other symptoms, like depression or anxiety. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health, usually psychiatrists with experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. After you've been referred, you will usually be asked to complete some pre-screening forms prior to your appointment. They can be accessed via your portal's dashboard online and must be completed prior to the appointment, so your psychiatrist has time to go through them prior to the appointment. A psychiatrist will then conduct a thorough medical and psychiatric interview with you. They will ask you questions about your childhood and family history, and your current symptoms. They may also request to interview your partner or child. During the interview, your psychiatrist will be looking for indicators of ADHD and any other psychological or medical issues you may have. The psychiatrist will determine if they believe that you have ADHD and what kind of treatment is needed. This will include discussion of psychosocial interventions and medications (if appropriate). The clinician will write a report that will be provided to your GP with the results of your assessment. The doctor will then suggest an appropriate treatment plan, which you and your GP can agree on. How can I obtain an ADHD assessment? Adults looking to treat ADHD symptoms might be frustrated by the fact that obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS can take as long as two years. If you're ready to bypass the NHS wait times, there are a number of private options available. Before arranging an appointment with an expert, it's worth familiarising yourself with the traits and symptoms of adult ADHD so that you know what to expect. You can also record specific examples from your own life to discuss during the examination. You will be asked to rate the severity of your symptoms in different situations, and provide examples of how they've affected your professional, personal or family life. These tests are designed to identify any potential issues and determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD. The psychiatrist will prepare an assessment report and discuss with you what you may need to take care of. This may include any treatment suggestions. If you are suffering from ADHD, a correct diagnosis can help improve your health and better how you manage your life and relationships. You can also access a variety of treatments and interventions to help manage the symptoms of adult ADHD. These include cognitive behavior therapy or medication. The first step in getting an ADHD assessment is to visit your GP and explain why you believe you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. Your GP should be able to take you seriously, ask if have any evidence, and recommend an assessment for diagnosis. Private psychiatric assessments are typically conducted by experts who have vast experience treating people suffering from neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD. They are also experienced with assessing and treating conditions such as depression or anxiety. If you reside in England or Scotland and are eligible, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS through a 'Right To Choose” procedure. To avail this option you must visit your GP and request an appointment with Psych-UK Ltd under 'Right to Choose' for an adult ADHD clinical assessment and treatment plan. What is the cost for an ADHD assessment? If you have been experiencing symptoms of ADHD for a while now, then it might be time to consider a GP referral to see an expert in the field. This will enable you to get a more accurate diagnose and can result in better treatment and management of your ADHD symptoms. You can only be diagnosed with ADHD after a thorough medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. These evaluations typically include the complete personal history of the person and observations, along with feedback from family and friends. During your appointment, your consultant psychiatrist will discuss with you the issues you are facing and may ask you questions about your family history and medical history. You will be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems that help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms, and how they impact your daily functioning. After your consultation, Dr. Cubbin will prepare a comprehensive ADHD assessment report. With your consent, he will send this to your GP to ensure they are aware of the results of your evaluation and any recommendations for treatment. There are some who prefer to pay privately for their ADHD assessment and treatment. If you're not sure whether your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement or if waiting on the NHS list to schedule an appointment isn't something you'd like to do, this might be a good option. It is important to remember that having a private diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be eligible for benefits such as PIP (formerly Disability Living Allowance). If you are considering getting an ADHD assessment, download our adult ADHD screener today to learn more about the condition and find out whether it is affecting your life. You can also download a letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP asking them to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.