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A thorough diagnostic assessment is necessary for a correct diagnosis. This will include screening questionnaires that are sent out prior to and an interview with you and an individual who has been with you since childhood, analysis of historic school reports (if available) and a complete psychotherapy consultation.
The NHS has guidelines that must be followed in order to make an ADHD assessment. Many people opt to consult an individual healthcare provider in order to accelerate the process and avoid lengthy wait lists.
What is ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment can be a chance for an expert in healthcare to listen to you and comprehend your challenges. You will be working with a senior psychiatrist to determine the root of the issue and how it could be impacting your life. They will evaluate you using a variety of tools, including symptoms checklists and scales of behaviour. They will also look at the family history of your parents and any previous experiences of mental health problems. The psychiatrist will then confirm which of three major subtypes that you may have.
The specialist will also rule-out any other medical or mental conditions that could mimic the symptoms ADHD. This is crucial because if a condition is mistakenly attributed to ADHD it could mean that you are misdiagnosed and the symptoms of your ADHD may not improve. The expert will also evaluate the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning by using the same criteria that an NHS specialist would apply.
Prepare a list in advance of any questions or concerns you might have. This will ensure that your requirements are satisfied and that nothing is overlooked. It is also recommended to take an outline of any particular difficulties you have been experiencing. Noting them down will aid in remembering them, and will aid in getting an ADHD diagnosis much faster and more efficient.
Bring any relevant documentation to your appointment. You can bring old school or work report cards, or even performance evaluations. If you have any medical or educational records that can be used to demonstrate the effects of ADHD on your life, they can be beneficial for the doctor to have in hand also.
You might also be asked to complete questionnaires for pre-screening prior to your appointment. These can be completed by logging into your portal dashboard and are usually ready to fill out prior to when you meet with the psychiatrist. It is recommended to fill in the form as soon as you can, as it will reduce the amount of time you'll wait.
How can I get an ADHD assessment?
A diagnosis of ADHD is often the first step in getting the help and support you require. In the UK doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD. However, they can refer a patient to a psychiatrist.
The NHS will cover an ADHD assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. It will take between 45 and 90 minutes. You will be asked questions regarding your general mental health as well as your family's history of mental health and the symptoms you are experiencing. The specialist will also look at any other psychological and medical issues that could contribute to your symptoms.
In addition to examining your current symptoms, your specialist will ask if you have suffered from similar problems in the past. Current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD stipulate that ADHD can only be diagnosed at the age of an adult if symptoms have been evident since childhood.
If you've experienced these symptoms in your adult life your doctor will ask if your problems have progressed or worsened over time. They will also look at any other factors that could affect your symptoms, like stress and anxiety. They may also suggest that you take an online group-based ADHD education and support program or offer referrals for other treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy.
If you reside in England and are having difficulty getting a NHS-funded ADHD assessment, you can benefit from your Right to Choose. You can decide to take a private assessment in the event that the NHS wait time is too long or you don't want to wait at all. Private assessments can be more expensive, but they will provide you direct access to treatment. Your specialist will write complete reports that you can take to your GP and will discuss any recommended medications or other treatment options with you. If requested, they'll also provide recommendation letter to your workplace or school. The cost will vary based on the time it takes to prepare the letter.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment starts with a psychiatric consultation. Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your lifestyle, health, family, and development. They will also send you standard questionnaires. They may also ask for opinions from teachers, friends coaches, spouses, or even coaches. Interviews aren't intended to be a critique, but to identify other factors which may be causing symptoms like anxiety or depressive disorders.
During the interview, your doctor will look at any documents you bring with them, like copies of previous psychological tests or old school reports. The evaluator may also be able to spend time with someone who is familiar with you such as your spouse, sibling, or parent. This is to gather information about your childhood as you might have forgotten specific details or that your behaviours might have changed over time.
The psychiatrist will also review any information you have provided on the standardised questions before your appointment to ensure that they will have a better understanding of your symptoms. They will also look at any other data from your past like old school records or a medical or neurological exam. This is to ensure that you meet the standard 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 signs that have been identified during the same time frame.
Your psychiatrist will then conduct a clinical interview in person with you after gathering all relevant details. They will review the information they have collected and determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD. This means evaluating your symptoms by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
If your doctor determines that you do have ADHD The doctor will prepare a report for your GP. The GP will decide on the best treatment plan, which could include pharmacological therapy (medication) and psychological therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you have a legal right to select your preferred healthcare provider, which means you can consult your own private doctor for an ADHD assessment should you not wish to wait for the NHS.
What happens following an ADHD assessment?
A professional ADHD diagnosis could change your life. It can assist you in obtaining treatment and also reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt regarding your symptoms.
If you suspect that your child or you may suffer from ADHD, the first step is to discuss it with an GP. They can direct you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is the only UK healthcare professional certified to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients may wait for months for a referral. Many choose to seek out private treatment.
Once you've been directed to an assessment and/or your child will be interviewed in person by the clinician. The interview will cover subjects like growth, health and family history, and lifestyle. The physician may also want to speak with other people, like teachers, coaches or daycare providers. This isn't meant to test your answers, but to understand how your symptoms impact you or your child in different situations.
The doctor may also employ rating scales to determine if you experience specific symptoms, like restlessness and difficulty staying focused. This will help determine if you meet standardized criteria for ADHD. They will also determine if there are any other problems that you may be suffering from, such as depression or anxiety disorders. If you have a family history of ADHD it is worthwhile notifying your doctor about this as there are genetic influences that affect whether or not you develop the disorder.
Your clinician will prepare an extensive report that you can present to your GP after the psychiatric evaluation. The report will contain the full diagnosis as well as a recommended treatment.
If you are an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD Your GP may suggest a trial of medication. If the medication is effective, you need to tell your insurance company as well as the DVLA in order to have to update your driving licence. If you are a parent with one of your children who has been diagnosed with ADHD Your therapist may recommend that you attend an adult group to learn how to manage the condition together. This will improve your relationship with your child and assist you in becoming more confident and a better parent.