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 unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your consultation you will be given questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then review them. This will ensure that your appointment runs smoothly without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or are finding it difficult to control your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain performs. It is essential to be aware that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These conditions must be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, the specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your life. Then, they will determine if you are in compliance with the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning as well as requesting feedback from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they will be able to quickly determine if you are eligible for a diagnosis. If they're unsure they'll conduct a comprehensive psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include a look at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD and also those that could lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, private providers can offer assessments via video calls. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times of each one prior to deciding on one. You can consult your GP about this, or contact directly to find out what their current wait time is for an assessment. If this is important to you, make sure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worth checking with your GP to determine what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you think you have ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest a referral to a specialist.
You can be evaluated by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into account the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for those suffering from ADHD is obtaining a diagnosis. This is due to the stigma associated with the condition and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, people belonging to certain groups, like people of color, assigned a 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. If ADHD is the root cause there are many who are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. This can lead to significant issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. If you are unhappy with the waiting times at your local NHS services You can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the service providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. They include medication, psychosocial assistance or both. The best choice for each individual will depend on their unique needs and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can help with any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or educational setting. This is done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only look for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which can often accompany or mimic ADHD among adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists, and also by asking those who know you well to give feedback.
If the specialist believes that the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over possible treatment options. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness. These are available as tablets or injections and can be used for both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed for side effects like insomnia and loss of appetite that can be a result of ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. get assessed for adhd is a substantial amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment method, where they can be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to see your GP. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain the reasons you think you have ADHD. They might also ask you to complete screening tools to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. After your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
In England The average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason why many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it may be beneficial to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your GP recognize the importance and urgency of the examination and make sure they will act on your request. Here is an example of a letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred to a specialist for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the examination they'll look at your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. 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 calls.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. This is only possible if your GP can recommend you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you do not want to wait for an GP to refer you, or if you don’t have one.
Alternatively, you can seek help from your local mental health trust. You can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not provide a service) or by contacting their press offices.