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 must be addressed.
Before your appointment you will receive pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are having trouble concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain functions. It is important to remember that other conditions could cause problems. These conditions must be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you undergo an ADHD assessment. They will also ask you how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria outlined 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 feedback from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able to determine quickly if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. If they are not sure they'll take a full psychiatric history and look at your other health issues. This will include a look at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD as well as those which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
If get assessed for adhd having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS, private providers 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 for each one prior to deciding on one. You can either inquire with your GP or call the provider directly to determine the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure that they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to see what arrangements are available for your region.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves - they can only relay your symptoms and ask for an appointment with an expert in mental health.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you can expect to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They will apply these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for many. This can be because of the stigma surrounding the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. Additionally, those belonging to certain groups, like those who are a person of color, a woman at birth, or not native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis because there is no test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a other condition, such as anxiety or depression, when the root of the issue is ADHD. This can lead to significant problems in personal and professional relationships as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS service you can decide to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled an inventory of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available for people with ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial support or both. The most suitable choice for each individual will be based on their specific needs and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD could also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or educational setting. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of mental health which may often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by reviewing the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from those who are familiar with the person, such as family members and friends.
If a specialist believes that the patient is a candidate for ADHD, they will discuss the treatment options. The most popular treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They are available as tablets or injections and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat negative side effects, including eating disorders and sleep problems that are often associated with ADHD. Some people can benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage depression or anxiety.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients to an assessment and treatment if required. However, the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to get rid of according to the BBC's investigation through FOI requests. This is an extremely long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route since they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
get assessed for adhd in getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness and they should inquire what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if your qualified to be seen. If 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. This is due to the a high demand for the service and many areas are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you're worried about how long you'll need to wait, it could be helpful to write an email to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will allow them to comprehend the importance of the examination and ensure that your request gets acted upon. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the examination, they'll look at your symptoms and investigate any medical history that might be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The test can take between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video conference.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. This will only be possible if your GP can refer you to an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you do not want to wait for a GP to refer you, or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer a service) or by contacting their press offices.