How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a lot of differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Prior to your appointment you will be given pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then review them. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're experiencing anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to manage your emotions then it might be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain operates. But it's important to remember that there are other issues that could be causing your difficulties and they should be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they impact your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, called the DSM-5. They will also consider how your symptoms interfere with your daily activities and also seek feedback from those who know you.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. get assessed for adhd will likely be able to determine in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they're not certain they'll take an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This will include a look at other conditions which can be associated with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause a misdiagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
If you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private firms that provide assessments via video call. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest to look over the waiting times before you choose one. You can inquire with your GP or contact the provider directly to learn the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment so If this is important to you, make sure they provide this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to see what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP for a referral If you suspect that you have ADHD. But, it's important to note that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert in mental health.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you are likely to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into account other comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for many people. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition, and a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may be subject to discrimination when they seek treatment for their symptoms, for example, women of color, people of color born or non-native English speaking people.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis as there is no single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root cause is ADHD. This can cause issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are unhappy with the waiting times at your local NHS services You can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. They include medication, psychosocial assistance, or both. The most suitable option for each individual will depend on their unique needs and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD could also benefit from a few adjustments to their environment, for example, making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just examine for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of mental health which may often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by looking through symptom checklists and asking for feedback from those who know the person, such as family members and friends.
If the specialist believes that an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed for adverse effects like insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to eliminate, according to the BBC's investigation through FOI requests. This is an extremely long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people opt to go the private assessment route because they can self-refer and get direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They might request you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP accepts to refer you, you'll be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In England The average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is because there is an overwhelming demand for this service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with it.
If you're worried about the amount of time you have to wait for an assessment You may be able to write a letter to your GP explaining what you need. This will allow your GP to be aware of the importance and urgency of the assessment, and ensure that they will act upon your request. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. In the course of the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video calls.
You could be eligible for medication through the NHS in the event that your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. This is only possible when your doctor can refer you to an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you don't want to wait for an GP to refer you, or in the event that you don't have one.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not run services) or contacting their press offices.