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ADHD Assessment in the UK A thorough diagnostic assessment is essential for a precise diagnosis. This will involve screening questionnaires sent out beforehand and an interview with you, at least one person who has a good understanding of you since childhood, an analysis of your historical school reports (if available) and a complete psychotherapy consultation. The NHS has specific guidelines for ADHD tests. However, many individuals choose to consult an individual healthcare provider to accelerate the process and avoid long waiting lists. What is an ADHD assessment? An ADHD assessment is a chance for medical professionals to listen to you and help you understand your difficulties. You will be working with a psychiatrist who is senior to determine the root of the issue and how it might be impacting your life. They will evaluate you using various tools such as symptoms checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also take into account any family history of mental health problems and your past experiences. The psychiatrist will then be able to confirm which of the three main subtypes you may have. The doctor will also determine if there are any other mental or medical conditions that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. This is very important because if another disorder is mistaken for ADHD it could mean that you are misdiagnosed and the symptoms of ADHD might not improve. The expert will also assess the severity of the symptoms and how they affect your daily activities by using the same criteria as an NHS specialist. Make a list ahead of time of any concerns or questions you may have. This will ensure that all of your requirements are met and that no detail is left unanswered. You should also take a note about any difficulties you are experiencing. Writing them down will help you remember them, and can make the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis much faster and more effective. Bring any relevant documentation to your appointment. This can include any performance evaluations from your work or old reports from school. If you have any health or educational records that can be used to show the impact of ADHD on your life, these are beneficial for the doctor to have in hand also. You might be asked to fill out pre-screening questionnaires before your appointment. These can be accessed when you log in to your portal dashboard. They are generally available to fill out before meeting with the psychiatrist. It is recommended to do this as soon as you can as it can reduce the time you wait. How do I get an ADHD assessment? If you or your child are suffering from symptoms of ADHD, a diagnosis may be the first step towards receiving the help and support you require. In the UK the GP cannot diagnose ADHD but can refer for an assessment to a psychologist or psychiatrist who are the only healthcare professionals in the nation who are qualified to diagnose the condition (and prescribe medication if needed). The NHS will fund an ADHD assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The assessment will last between 45 and 90 minutes. You will be asked about your general mental health, the mental health history of your family, and your symptoms. The specialist will also assess any other medical or psychological conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing. In addition to examining your present symptoms, your doctor will ask if you have suffered from similar problems in the past. This is because current diagnostic guidelines state that you will only be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult when your symptoms have been present since the age of. If you've been experiencing these symptoms since becoming an adult Your doctor will inquire whether your symptoms have improved over time. They will also examine any other factors that could affect your symptoms, such as stress and anxiety. They may also suggest that you join a group-based ADHD education and support program or suggest other treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy. If how to get a adhd assessment having trouble getting an NHS-funded ADHD assessment, you can use your Right to Choose when you live in England. This means that you can choose to take a private assessment if you are satisfied with the wait time for an NHS assessment or if you want to avoid waiting altogether. Private assessments are more expensive, but will grant you direct access to treatment. Your specialist will provide you with a detailed report you can bring to your GP. They will also discuss any other treatment options recommended with you. They will also send recommendations to your school or workplace upon request. This can be an additional expense dependent on the amount of time taken to prepare the letter. What happens during an ADHD assessment? A psychiatric examination is the first step in an ADHD assessment. Your doctor will review your symptom history and ask questions regarding your development, health and family life. They will also use standardised questionnaires which will be sent to you in advance. They might also request opinions from friends, teachers, coaches, or spouses. These interviews are not intended to slam you, but to help determine other factors that could be causing your symptoms, for example anxiety or depression. During the interview, your doctor might examine any documents you bring with them, such as copies of your previous psychological tests or old school reports. The examiner may also spend some time with someone who is familiar with your life such as your spouse, sibling or your parent. This is to collect information about your childhood, since you might have forgotten specific details or that your behaviours may have changed over time. The psychiatrist will also review the information you gave in response to the standardised questionnaire prior to your appointment so that they can gain a better understanding of your symptoms. They will also examine any other information from your past, such as old school records or a neurological or medical exam. This is to determine if 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 show at least five symptoms established over the same time period. Once they have gathered all the relevant details the doctor will conduct a personal clinical interview with you. They will review the information they have collected and determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD. 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 psychiatrist decides that you do suffer from ADHD The doctor will prepare a report for your GP. The GP will then determine the best treatment plan for you, which may involve 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 until you receive an ADHD assessment from the NHS you can consult your own personal doctor. What happens following an ADHD assessment? A professional ADHD diagnosis can transform your life. It can help you access treatment and help reduce confusion and self-doubt about your symptoms. If you suspect that you or your child may suffer from ADHD The first step is to talk with an GP. They can direct you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who is the only UK healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. NHS patients may be waiting for months to receive a referral. Many prefer to go private. If you've been directed to an assessment, you or your child will be interviewed in person by your clinician. The interview will cover subjects like development, health, family history, as well as lifestyle. The physician may also want to speak to other people, such as coaches, teachers, or daycare providers. This is not an attempt to check your answers but to learn what your symptoms can do to your child or different situations. The doctor may also utilize rating scales to determine how often you experience specific symptoms, such as restlessness and trouble staying focused. This will help determine if you meet standardized criteria for ADHD. They will also determine if there are any other issues that you may be suffering from such as depression or anxiety disorders. It is essential to inform your physician if there is a any background of ADHD in your family. Genetics can affect the likelihood of developing the condition. Your doctor will prepare an extensive report you can take to your GP following the psychiatric assessment. This report will include an extensive diagnosis and recommended treatment. If you've been diagnosed as an adult suffering from ADHD, your GP may suggest that you try medication. If the medication is successful and you are able to take it, you must inform the DVLA and your insurance company, as you will need to update your driver's licence. Your therapist may recommend that you and your child take an educational class for parents to learn together how to manage ADHD. This can help improve your relationship with your child, and help you become a more confident and understanding parent.