How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your appointment you will receive pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will help to ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or find it difficult to manage your emotions, then it may be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way that the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These should be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire about how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Then, assessments for adhd will determine if you fit the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also ask for opinions from people who know you and look at the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they will be able to tell fairly quickly whether you meet the criteria for an assessment. If Get More Information 'll conduct a thorough psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD, as well as those that can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times of each service before deciding on one. You can consult your GP or contact the provider directly to determine the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to you, be sure they provide this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to see what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD and you suspect it, you can request your GP to refer you for an assessment. However, it's important to remember that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to an expert in mental health.
You can anticipate to be assessed by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also consider comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for people who have ADHD is obtaining a diagnosis. This is due to the stigma that surrounds the condition and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Additionally, those from certain groups, for instance those who are a person of color, a woman at birth, or not native English people, could face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test to prove ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're unhappy with the waiting time at your local NHS service, you can choose to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial assistance, or both. The most suitable option for each individual will depend on their unique needs and circumstances. 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 benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education settings. This is done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to testing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also determine if there are any comorbid mental health issues, which often occur in conjunction with or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by looking through symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from individuals who know the person well like family members and close friends.
If a specialist believes an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects like insomnia and loss of appetite that are sometimes associated ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs must take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when needed. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to get rid of, according to an investigation by the BBC through FOI requests. This is a long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people opt to take the private assessment route since they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be considered seriously and they'll ask you what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They may request you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. Once your GP accepts to refer you, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In England, the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about the length of time you will be waiting for an assessment You may want to write a note to your GP explaining what you need. This will allow them to understand the importance of the examination and ensure that your request gets acted on. Here you can download a sample of a letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred, you'll be invited to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and look into any medical history that might be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They will also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible for medication through the NHS. This will only be attainable when your doctor can recommend you for an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is a possibility if don't want to wait around for a GP to refer you or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can find a 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 services) or by contacting their press offices.