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ADHD UK Assessment It is important to talk with your GP if you suspect you suffer from ADHD. They can discuss with you your symptoms and inquire about any mental health conditions that you might be suffering from. NHS patients in England are legally allowed to select their mental health provider. This includes accessing ADHD assessment services. What is ADHD? ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects the way that signals are transferred between brain cells. This can result in difficulties with learning, organization and paying attention. It can also make it more difficult to manage issues like issues with self-control and making good choices. People with ADHD are often angry and discontent and find it difficult to handle routines and tasks that others consider easy. They may also be struggling with feelings such as low mood, anxiety and depression. People suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or receive the wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling with the increase in the demand for tests. Some areas have waiting times of over two years. Some have stopped accepting new referrals altogether according to BBC's Freedom of Information requests. The BBC's Freedom of Information requests reveal that some doctors have stopped accepting referrals altogether. GPs are required to take the claims made by those who suspect they suffer from symptoms of ADHD seriously, and refer them for an assessment. They must follow NICE guidelines that require an assessment to be performed by an expert ADHD psychiatrist or nurse (or any other “appropriately-qualified healthcare professional” (NICE)). For those who are on waiting lists for an NHS assessment, it is possible to take the matter to their own and request an individual diagnosis. This is possible through the Right to Choose pathway, where a person's GP will agree to refer them for an ADHD assessment to their preferred provider. To make this happen the GP needs to discuss with the patient about their concerns and explain why they'd like to be assessed for ADHD symptoms by a psychiatrist. There are many providers of private ADHD assessments, with some of them offering titration of medication through the NHS following the assessment. The most popular is Psychiatry UK, who provide details of how to access their service via Right to Choose, including the downloadable letter you can hand to your GP. Common signs of ADHD ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of a person to concentrate, maintain control and manage their emotions. The symptoms include hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Although many suffer from these issues, those diagnosed with ADHD have issues that are far above what is typical of their age or development level. These issues can affect their ability to succeed at home and at work and can cause issues in relationships. Inattention refers to the fact that one is unable to remain focused and engaged frequently getting distracted and losing the focus of what they are doing. They may also have difficulty making plans and following directions. Hyperactivity is a frequent symptom of ADHD and can be characterized by excessive fidgeting, tapping or talking. Impulsivity is the tendency to act quickly without considering the consequences or seeking instant satisfaction. Certain people with ADHD might have trouble making and keeping friends. They may also be frequently criticized by others for their forgetfulness and naughtiness. Low self-esteem, depression or anxiety are also experienced by people with ADHD. People with ADHD are often faced with difficulties throughout their lives. For example, when they leave the family home to work or study. They may be impacted by new stressors like relationships issues, financial pressures and parental expectations. If you suspect that you have ADHD If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is essential to talk to your GP. They can help you decide whether an NHS ADHD assessment would be beneficial and then suggest a treatment that is suited to your needs. This could be an Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service. During your appointment the doctor will ask you questions regarding your family life and social life. They will also conduct an examination to rule other issues, such as anxiety or depression. They will also examine any reports or assessments from the past and examine your medications. The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that ADHD services are struggling to handle demand and waiting lists for assessment are long. We have sent FOI requests for information to each NHS trust that offers ADHD services in England to try to understand the extent of the problem. We found that patients were waiting for an average of for more than six months to get an appointment. Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults For adults who suffer from ADHD, the problems caused by unmanaged symptoms may be even more serious than for children. They may be struggling with relationship problems, career difficulties, and a general feeling of underachievement. They may have trouble keeping an occupation, adhering to the corporate rules and deadlines. They might also have issues managing their finances and end up in debt as a result of impulsive purchases. They might have difficulty staying healthy due to a poor diet or inability to focus for long periods of time. Adults with ADHD may be harder to treat and diagnose than children. This is primarily due to the fact that medical professionals have preconceived notions of the way people with ADHD appear. This is particularly the case if they're someone of color or gender-specifically assigned at birth or not a native English speaker. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from mental health issues that mimic ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression. The most frequent characteristic of adult ADHD is restlessness, which manifests as fidgeting and an inability to sit still. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to be stressed and anxious and feel overwhelmed by everyday events. In adhd assessments uk I Am Psychiatry , they could struggle to manage their emotions, and could suffer from depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, as well as mood fluctuations. In some cases, adults with ADHD might not realize they have problems until they reach adulthood and are afflicted with increased levels of stress and pressure. Symptoms might not become apparent until they leave school or parents' homes and may continue to cause them problems as they take on new roles at work and in life. Nice has approved the use of a computerized test in an effort to reduce the time needed to obtain an NHS ADHD assessment. The test will be available to psychiatrists and pediatric specialists in England to evaluate the six-to-17-year-olds. The QbTest will determine if a child or teen has the three main ADHD characteristics – hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It will cut down on the amount of time required to diagnose ADHD and will improve the outcome for children and young people with the condition. ADHD symptoms in children If your child's symptoms have significant effects on their the way they live You may ask your GP to refer your child to a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. You will then be able to receive an assessment that is specialized and covers both your mental health and ADHD. Psychiatrists and nurses can also prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD. The assessment should be semi structured to allow for the elicitation and collection of information regarding symptoms and impairments that are essential in the diagnosis of ADHD. The assessment should be open-ended to encourage a free and honest response, as well as the examiner using real-world examples to explore more than the initial'snapshot' clinical impression (which can be misleading). It is recommended that all DSM symptoms, impairments, and other criteria are fully investigated. It is vital that a screen for other mental health issues is conducted, especially ones that can mimic symptoms of ADHD or are frequently co-occurring with it, like depression and bipolar disorder. It is also essential to investigate if there is a past of substance abuse or eating disorders, as they could affect the outcome of an ADHD diagnosis, especially if not treated. The NHS assessment process can be lengthy and exhausting for people who suffer from ADHD. It is often due to a lack of understanding of the type of assessment being conducted and also the fact that healthcare professionals have preconceived notions of what an individual with ADHD “looks like”. This can lead to people be incorrectly diagnosed or not diagnosed at all or even to unacceptable long waiting lists for tests. After the assessment the results should be documented clearly in the form of a report that clarifies whether or whether the ADHD assessment criteria have been fulfilled. It should also contain the diagnosis in its entirety, and a discussion about the next steps (usually the referral to your GP for shared management). This can include a review of the available medication options. It is crucial to remember that the test is only the start of the management journey, and it is essential that a discussion of the more general educational and psychosocial aspects of managing ADHD is included in the post-diagnostic discussions that NICE recommends.