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.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to fill out that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will help to ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or you are having trouble to control your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way in which the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that there are other conditions that may be causing your issues and should be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They will also ask you how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Then, they will determine if you fit the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how your symptoms interfere with your daily activities and also seek input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to tell you in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they are not sure, they will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This will include a look at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD as well as those that could lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
However, if you are trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private firms that provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the waiting times of each service before deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP or contact the provider directly to determine the time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatments following an assessment, so should this be a priority for you then make sure that they do offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worth checking with your GP to see what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP for a referral if you suspect you may have ADHD. It is important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only relay your symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert in mental health.
You can expect to be evaluated by psychiatrists. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires 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 take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a challenge for a lot of people. This could be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition as well as the lack of understanding by healthcare professionals. In addition, people belonging to certain groups, for instance people of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test to confirm ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can lead to significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. you can try this out means that if you're not satisfied with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can opt to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. They can include psychosocial therapy, medication or both. The most appropriate choice for each individual will depend on their unique requirements and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and help improve performance, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational setting. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to testing for ADHD, the doctor will also determine if there are any comorbid mental health issues that often occur in conjunction with or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This is done by looking through symptom checklists and asking for feedback from people who know the person, such as family members and close friends.
If a doctor believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment, as they increase concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to manage negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes related to ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever required. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to eliminate according to the BBC's investigation using FOI requests. This is an extremely long period of waiting for an essential service. Many people opt to go the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. They should consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain what you think might cause you to have ADHD. You may be asked to take an assessment test to determine if your eligible for an appointment. If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason why many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you're worried about the amount of time you have to wait for an appointment, you might be able to write a letter to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will assist them to comprehend the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted upon. Here is an example of an email from ADHD UK.
After you have been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and review your mental health history to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or through a video conference.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible for medication through the NHS. This will only be attainable in the event that your GP is able to recommend you for an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you'd prefer to avoid the waiting time, you can self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also get help from your local mental health trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer a service) or contacting their press offices.