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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 getting more well-known, however resources are limited and waiting times are long. GPs are able to relay symptoms and answer questions, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or refuse the diagnosis of an expert clinician. This is a choice that only a psychiatrist is able to make. What is ADHD assessment? ADHD is a challenging disorder, and an accurate diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a professional with experience. The evaluator will listen to your symptoms and ask questions and then compare them to current diagnostic guidelines. They also search for other possible causes for your symptoms, for instance a co-occurring condition of mental health. A thorough assessment can take a long time and may require multiple appointments with the doctor. You must be honest when answering questions so that the doctor can accurately assess your symptoms. It is essential to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD is not confirmed until your history, especially when you were a teenager or child, is considered. Your specialist will ask you questions about your previous experiences and behaviors and will also evaluate your current symptoms. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires and other tests, such as ratings scales and cognitive assessments. It is helpful to bring copies of these with you since they will be used by your doctor to help in the assessment process. Your GP can also provide information from your medical record. Be aware that the NHS is not as extensive and may be slow to provide an assessment. If you go to your GP and you express concern that you may have ADHD The doctor must be aware of this and suggest an assessment. If your GP decides that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD and they explain the reason. Most of the time, it is because another issue, such as anxiety or depression, better explains your symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that you can request a confidential evaluation if you are not satisfied with the results of your assessment. Dr. Cubbin accepts referrals from doctors through the Right to Choose program, and is happy to see private patients. You can receive an assessment fast efficiently, effectively and without waiting on the NHS. You can then discuss your treatment options and manage your symptoms to ensure that they do not hinder in your work or relationships. Why do I need to be assessed for ADHD? A diagnosis of ADHD can affect an individual. It can alter the way people view work, relationships and family life. Many adults who seek a diagnosis find it a relief to understand why they struggled in school and later as an adult. For some the diagnosis can bring on a range of emotions and be a struggle to handle. The first step in understanding and managing symptoms is to get an ADHD assessment. The process can be confusing for those who don't know where to begin, particularly with the long NHS waiting periods and expensive private assessments. This guide is intended to help. The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment is to talk to your GP. Your GP will discuss your symptoms with you and ask questions about the impact they have on your life. They will ask you whether you're experiencing any other symptoms such as depression or anxiety. They will then refer you to a mental health professional, often a psychiatrist trained in neurodevelopmental disorders. If you've been referred, you'll usually be asked to complete certain pre-screening questions prior to your appointment. These can be accessed via your portal's dashboard. They must be completed prior to your appointment to ensure that your psychiatrist has enough time to read the questionnaires. A psychiatrist will then conduct a thorough medical and psychiatric interview with you. They will ask you questions about your childhood as well as your family history and current symptoms. They may also request to interview other people, such as your partner or children. During the interview, your psychiatrist will look for signs of ADHD and any other medical or psychological ailments you suffer from. The psychiatrist will determine if they believe that you suffer from ADHD and what kind of treatment is needed. This will include discussion of psychosocial interventions as well as medication (if appropriate). The clinician will then prepare a report to return to your GP informing them of the results of your examination. They will then suggest the treatment plan that can be agreed jointly between you and your GP. How can I get an ADHD assessment? Getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS could take up to two years – which can be very frustrating for those who are adults and want to treat their symptoms. There are a variety of private options to cut down on NHS waiting times. It is important to be familiar with the symptoms and characteristics of adult ADHD prior to scheduling an appointment so you're prepared. You can also note down specific examples from your personal life to discuss during the test. You will also be asked to rate the severity of your symptoms in various situations, and also to provide examples of how they've affected your personal, professional or familial life. These tests are designed to identify any potential issues and determine whether or not you have ADHD. The psychiatrist will put together an evaluation and explain what you might require to do following that including any recommendations for treatment. If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis can result in better health and better how you manage your relationships and life. You can also get access to a variety of treatments and interventions to help manage the symptoms of adult ADHD. These include cognitive behavior therapy or medication. For an ADHD assessment, you should first visit your GP to explain why you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be able to take you seriously, ask if you have any evidence, and suggest an assessment for diagnosis. Private psychiatric evaluations are usually conducted by professionals who have extensive experience working with people with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. They will also have experience of diagnosing and treating other disorders such as depression and anxiety. If you live in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland or Northern Ireland, you may get an ADHD assessment through the NHS through a 'Right to Choose' process. You can avail this option by asking your GP to recommend you to Psych-UK Ltd for an adult ADHD assessment and treatment plan as part of the 'Right to Choose.' What is the cost for an ADHD assessment? If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD or other disorders, it might be time to consult an expert. This will allow you to receive a more accurate diagnosis, which in turn can help you get better treatment and management of your ADHD symptoms. It is important to remember that you will only be diagnosed with ADHD by undergoing a thorough medical assessment conducted by a seasoned healthcare professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists. These tests typically include a an extensive personal history, observation and feedback from your family and friends. During your appointment, your consultant psychiatrist will talk with you about the difficulties you are experiencing and may ask questions about your family and medical history. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems that help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms, and how they affect your daily activities. Dr Cubbin will give you a complete ADHD report at the end of your appointment. With your consent the doctor will then send this report to your GP to ensure they know the findings of your assessment and any recommendations for treatment. Some people choose to pay privately for evaluation and treatment of ADHD. If you're unsure whether your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement or if waiting on the NHS list to make an appointment isn't something you want to do, this can be a good option. visit the next page is important to note that having a private diagnosis doesn't automatically mean that you will be eligible for benefits like PIP (formerly Disability Living Allowance). If you're thinking of getting an ADHD assessment, take our adult ADHD screening test today and find out more about the condition and find out how it could be impacting your life. You can also download a form letter from ADHD UK to hand to your GP to ask them to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.