How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to complete that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Symptoms
If you're experiencing restlessness and trouble concentrating or you are having trouble to manage your emotions then you should consider visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental condition 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 these need to be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, the specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your daily 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 ask for feedback from those who know you, and will consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able to quickly determine if you're eligible for diagnosis. If they're 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 coexist with ADHD and also those that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
However, if you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private providers who can provide assessments via a video call. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend that you look up the waiting times before you choose one. You can either inquire with your GP or call the service directly to determine the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, therefore If this is important to you then make sure that they provide this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD themselves. They are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
You can anticipate to be assessed by psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They may also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were a child. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. They will utilize these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for a lot of people. This could be because of the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness by health professionals. Certain groups of people may also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, for example, women of color, those born, or non-native English speaking people.
There is no test to prove ADHD. If ADHD is the cause there are many who are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can result in significant issues with personal and professional relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times for your local NHS services, you can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out about wait times, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These include psychosocial assistance, or both. The best option for each individual will depend on their unique requirements and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can help with any coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or educational setting. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The specialist will not only examine for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of the mental health, which can often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done 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 the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about possible treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. These can be found in the form of tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects like eating disorders and sleep disturbances that can be a result of 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 required to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. According to assessment adhd of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is an extended period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people choose to take the route of private assessment because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. They should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to explain what you think might cause you to have ADHD. You may be asked to complete screening tests to determine if you are eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to a high demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep up with it.
If you're worried about the length of time you will be waiting to be assessed you may want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will help them to comprehend the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted upon. Here you can download an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
After you have been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and review your mental health background to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or through a video calls.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However, this will only be possible if you are able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait it is possible to self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer an assessment service) or by contacting their press offices.