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ADHD UK Assessment If you think you have ADHD it is essential to discuss the issue with your GP. They can discuss your symptoms and enquire about any other mental health problems you might be suffering from. NHS patients in England are legally entitled to choose their mental healthcare provider. This includes access to ADHD assessment services. What is ADHD? ADHD is a mental health condition which affects the way signals are transferred between brain cells. This can result in difficulties in learning, organization and paying attention. It can also make managing issues like self-control and making the right choices more difficult. People with ADHD are often angry and frustrated, and find it difficult to handle routines and tasks that others find easy. They may also experience emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, or low mood. People with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or given the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling to cope with the increasing assessments, with some areas having waits of more than two years. According to BBC Freedom of Information requests some of them have been refusing new referrals. This is causing anxiety for those who are waiting on wait lists, and some even feel depressed as they realise that they will not receive an appointment in time to have any impact on their life. The GP is required to take the claims of people who think they have symptoms of ADHD seriously and refer them to an assessment. They must follow NICE guidelines, which demand that the assessment be carried out by psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse (or other “appropriately qualified healthcare professional” [NICE]). Individuals who are on the NHS waiting list can request a personal assessment. This can be done via the Right to Choose pathway, when a patient's doctor will agree to refer them for an ADHD assessment to the preferred provider. To do this the doctor must discuss with the patient their concerns and explain that they want an assessment of ADHD symptoms by a psychiatrist. There are many providers of private ADHD assessments, with some offering titration to medications through the NHS after the assessment. The most popular is Psychiatry UK, who provide details of how to access their services through Right to Choose, including a downloadable letter that you can hand to your GP. Common Signs and symptoms of ADHD ADHD symptoms can impact the ability of a person to focus, their ability to keep control, and manage emotions. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are all symptoms of ADHD. While a lot of people struggle with these issues, those diagnosed with ADHD have problems that are far beyond what is expected of their age or level of development. These issues can impact their ability to perform at home and work, and cause problems in relationships. Inattention is when a person has difficulty staying focused and focused. They are easily distracted and lose the track of what they're doing. They may also have trouble planning and following instructions. Hyperactivity is a common feature of ADHD and can involve excessive fidgeting, tapping or talking. psych assessment for adhd refers to the tendency to act without thinking about consequences, or to seek immediate satisfaction. Some people with ADHD might have trouble making and keeping friends. They might also be constantly criticized by others for their forgetfulness and recklessness. They can also experience low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. People with ADHD may face difficulties throughout their lives. For instance, when they leave the family home to study or work. Stressors that are new, like relationship problems, financial pressures and expectations of parents can also impact them. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to speak with your GP. They can help you determine whether an NHS ADHD assessment is helpful and refer to a service suitable for your needs. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. During the consultation process the doctor will take a detailed account of your history and present issues. They will inquire about your family life and social interactions. They will also carry out an examination to rule out other conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They will also examine any reports or assessments from the past and will review your medication. The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns of long waiting lists for assessment and ADHD services that are struggling to keep up with the demand. We have sent FOI requests for information to every NHS trust that offers ADHD services in England to try to understand the extent of the problem. We found that people were waiting an average of longer than six months for an appointment. Symptoms of ADHD in Adults For adults who suffer from ADHD, the problems caused by unmanaged symptoms may be more severe than in children. They may have issues with relationships problems, career issues and a feeling of general under-achievement. They may have trouble keeping an occupation, adhering to corporate guidelines or meeting deadlines. They may also have trouble managing their finances and end up in debt because of impulse purchases. They may struggle to stay well due to a poor diet or inability to focus for long periods of time. Adults with ADHD might be more difficult to diagnose and treat than children. This is due to the fact that medical professionals have preconceived notions about the way people with ADHD look. This is especially true if they are a person of colour, assigned female at birth or are not a native English speaker. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from mental health issues that are similar to ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression. The most common symptom of adult ADHD is restlessness, which manifests as a lack of concentration and a tendency to stay still. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to be anxious and stressed and feel overwhelmed by everyday things. Additionally, they might have difficulty controlling their emotions, and could suffer from depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, as well as mood swings. Adults suffering from ADHD may not be aware of their condition until they reach the age of adulthood as they are subjected to increased stress and demands. The symptoms may not be apparent until after they have left school or the home of their parents. They could continue to cause problems as they transition into new roles in their work and life. In an effort to reduce the issue of delays in receiving an NHS ADHD assessment, Nice has endorsed the use of an electronic test to help speed up diagnosis. It will be made available to psychiatrists and specialist pediatric doctors in England to test between six and 17 years old. The QbTest is able to identify if a child or teenager is suffering from the three major ADHD characteristics: hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. It will cut down on the time required to identify ADHD and help improve outcomes for children and young people who suffer from the condition. ADHD symptoms in children If your child's symptoms have significant effects on their the way they live If you notice a significant impact on their daily functioning, you can request your GP to refer your child to a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. Then, you can undergo an assessment by a specialist that covers general mental health and the evaluation of ADHD. Psychiatrists or nurses can prescribe medications to treat ADHD symptoms. The assessment should be structured in a semi-structured manner to allow for an elicitation of symptom and impairment information which is crucial in determining ADHD. The assessment should be open-ended to encourage a open and honest answer, with the examiner using real-world examples to probe deeper than the initial “snapshot” clinical impression (which can be misleading). It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments, and additional criteria are thoroughly explored. It is crucial that a screen for other mental health issues is conducted, especially those which can mimic the symptoms of ADHD or are co-occurring with it, like bipolar disorder and depression. It is also essential to investigate if there is a past of substance abuse and/or eating disorders, as they could affect the outcomes of an ADHD diagnosis, especially if untreated. The NHS assessment process can be long and frustrating for those suffering from ADHD. This is usually due to the lack of clarity on what is being evaluated and the fact that many healthcare professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD “looks like.”. This can lead to people being misdiagnosed or not being diagnosed in the first place, and often results in lengthy waiting lists for assessments. After the assessment, the result should be documented clearly in a written report that explains whether or not the ADHD assessment criteria have been satisfied. It should also contain the diagnosis in its entirety and a discussion on the next steps (usually an appointment with your GP for shared management). This may include a discussion of the available medication options. The assessment is just the beginning of the treatment journey. It is also important to include a discussion of the psychosocial and educational aspects of ADHD in the post-diagnosis discussions as recommended by NICE.