How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Prior to your appointment you will be given questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with restlessness and trouble concentrating or you are having trouble to manage your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way that the brain functions. It is important to remember that other conditions may cause problems. These conditions must be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also ask how long you have been suffering from these symptoms, and how they affect your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will consider the ways in which your symptoms affect your daily activities, as well as seeking opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they'll be able to determine quickly if you're eligible for an assessment. If they are not sure, they will carry out an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD, as well as those that could result in an undiagnosed case of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers are able to offer assessments via video calls. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you check out the waiting times prior to you choose one. You can inquire with your GP or call the provider directly to learn the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this service, so it's worthwhile to consult your GP to see what the arrangements are for your region.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you may request your GP to refer you for an assessment. However, it's important to note that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves. They are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
When you go for your assessment, you are likely to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. assessment adhd may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD is a difficult task for many. This is due to the stigma associated with the condition as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. People from certain groups can also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, for example, people of color, women born at birth or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. When ADHD is the primary cause many people are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can cause problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. This means that if you're not satisfied with the wait time at your local NHS service, you can choose to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about waiting times, you should contact the service providers.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include psychosocial support, medication, or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's particular requirements and situation. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their surroundings like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any other mental health conditions, which often accompany or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who know you well to give feedback.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about treatment options. The most commonly used treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. They are available in tablets or injections. They can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed for side effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD for an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC that a backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people opt to go the route of private assessment because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be considered seriously, and they should inquire why you think you be suffering from ADHD. They may also ask you to fill out a screening tool to see if you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
In England The average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it might be helpful to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will assist them be aware of the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request is followed up upon. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and examine any medical history that might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test can be between 45 and 90 minutes and can be done in person or by video conference.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. This is only possible in the event that your GP is able to refer you to an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is a possibility if don't want to wait around for an GP to refer you, or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those which do not offer a service) or by contacting their press offices.