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ADHD UK Assessment It is essential to speak with your GP If you suspect that you have ADHD. They can discuss your symptoms and enquire about any other mental health conditions you might be suffering from. NHS patients in England have a legal right to select their own mental health provider and team. This includes accessing ADHD assessment services. What is ADHD? ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects the way signals are transmitted between brain cells. This can result in issues in learning, organization and paying attention. It can also make it harder to manage issues like trouble with self-control and making the right decisions. People suffering from ADHD often feel frustrated and angry, and have trouble coping with routines and tasks that other people find easy. They may also experience emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, or low mood. People suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or receive wrong treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet the rise in assessments with some areas experiencing delays of more than two years. According to BBC Freedom of Information requests some of them have been refusing new referrals. The BBC's Freedom of Information requests reveal that certain doctors have stopped accepting referrals completely. GPs are required to take the claims made by those who think they have symptoms of ADHD seriously, and refer them for an assessment. They must follow NICE guidelines, which require an assessment to be carried out by an expert ADHD nurse or psychiatrist (or any other “appropriately-qualified healthcare professional” [NICE]). For people who are already waiting to be considered for an NHS assessment, it is possible to take matters into their own hands and request a private diagnosis. This can be done through the Right to Choose path, whereby a person’s GP agrees to refer them for an ADHD assessment to a preferred service. To do this, they must discuss the person's concerns with them and explain that they would like an assessment of their symptoms of ADHD by an expert psychiatrist or ADHD nurse. There are a variety of providers offering private ADHD assessments, with some of them offering titration of medication through the NHS after the test. The most popular is Psychiatry UK, who provide information on how to use their services through Right to Choose, including the downloadable letter you can hand to your GP. Common symptoms of ADHD ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of an individual to focus and maintain control over their emotions. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are all symptoms of ADHD. While a large number of people be struggling with these issues, those who meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis have issues that are noticeably beyond what is expected for their age or developmental stage. These issues affect their ability to be successful at home and at work and can cause issues in relationships. Inattention occurs when someone is unable to stay focused and engaged. They can easily become distracted and lose their focus. They may also have difficulty planning and following directions. Hyperactivity is a common feature of ADHD and can involve excessive fidgeting, tapping or talking. The term “impulsivity” refers to the tendency to act without thinking about consequences, or to want instant gratification. Some people suffering from ADHD may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They could be frequently criticized by other people for their lack of attention and indiscreetness. Depression, low self-esteem, or anxiety are also felt by people suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD are often faced with difficulties throughout their lives. For example, when they leave the family home to study or work. They may be impacted by a variety of new stresses like relationship difficulties as well as financial pressures and expectations of parents. If you think you might have ADHD It is crucial to speak to your GP. They can help you decide whether an NHS ADHD assessment would be beneficial and then recommend a service that is suitable for your needs. This might be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service. During your appointment the doctor will ask you questions about your family life and social life. Suggested Webpage will also carry out an exam to rule out other conditions, such as anxiety and depression. They will also review any previous reports or assessments and examine your medications. The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that ADHD services are struggling to handle demand, and waiting lists for assessment are lengthy. In an attempt to comprehend the magnitude of the problem we sent FOI requests to every NHS trust in England that manages ADHD services and found that, on average, people are waiting more than six months for an appointment. ADHD symptoms in Adults Unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause problems for adults that are even more severe than those experienced by children. They may struggle with relationship problems, career issues and a general feeling of inadequacy. They have difficulty keeping their job, adhering to corporate rules and deadlines. They might also be unable to manage their finances effectively and end up in debt because of their excessive spending. They may have difficulty maintaining their health due to poor nutrition and an inability to sit or concentrate for long periods of time. It can be more difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated as children, due to the fact that medical experts may have preconceived notions about what people with the condition appear to be. This is particularly true if the patient is of color, was a female at birth, or doesn't speak English natively. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from mental health issues that resemble ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Adult ADHD is characterized by restlessness and an inability or unwillingness to be still. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to be anxious and stressed and feel overwhelmed by the daily events. In addition, they could find it difficult to control their emotions and might be suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or mood swings. Adults with ADHD might not be aware of their condition until they reach adulthood and experience more pressure and stress. The symptoms may not be evident until they leave school or parents' house and could persist to cause problems as they take on new roles in work and life. Nice has approved a digital test to reduce the time required to receive an NHS ADHD assessment. It will be available to psychiatrists and specialist pediatric doctors in England to evaluate between six and 17 years old. The QbTest is able to identify if a child or teenager has the three primary ADHD characteristics – hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It will help to improve the outcome of children suffering from ADHD by reducing the time it takes to identify the condition. The signs of ADHD in Children If your child's symptoms are having an impact on their daily functioning, you could ask your GP to refer your child to a psychiatrist or nurse specialist. You can then undergo an assessment with a specialist who will cover the overall mental health of your child and the assessment of ADHD. Psychiatrists or nurses can prescribe medications to treat ADHD symptoms. The assessment should be semi-structured to permit the collection of symptom and impairment information that are crucial in the process of diagnosing ADHD. The assessment should be open-ended to encourage an open and honest response, with the assessor using real-life scenarios to explore more than the initial'snapshot' clinical impression (which can be inaccurate). It is recommended to explore all DSM symptoms and criteria. It is crucial that a screen for other mental health issues is performed, especially ones that can mimic symptoms of ADHD, or are commonly comorbid with it, including depression and bipolar disorder. It is also crucial to determine if there is any history of substance abuse or eating disorders, as they could have a major impact on the result of an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if not treated. The NHS assessment process can be lengthy and frustrating for those suffering from ADHD. This is usually due to a lack of clarity about what is being evaluated and the fact that a lot of healthcare professionals have preconceived notions regarding what someone suffering from ADHD “looks like”. This can cause people to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at any or even to unacceptable long waiting lists for tests. After the assessment the result must be documented clearly in the form of a report that clarifies whether or whether the ADHD assessment criteria have been fulfilled. The report should also include a diagnosis and an explanation of the next steps. (Usually it is a referral to your GP to be managed together). This can include an overview of treatment options. The assessment is only the first step in the management journey. It is also essential to discuss the psychosocial aspects of ADHD and educational aspects of ADHD in the post-diagnosis discussion as suggested by NICE.