How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete and your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will help to ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain performs. It is important to remember that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These conditions must be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, the specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been suffering from these symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you are in compliance with the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also solicit feedback from those who know you and look at how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not sure they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that could coexist with ADHD, as well as those that could result in the wrong diagnosis of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
However, if you are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private firms that provide assessments via a video call. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend that you look up the waiting time before you select one. You can either ask your GP or call the provider directly to determine the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is important to your needs, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to determine what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest for a referral to a specialist.
You can be evaluated by psychiatrist. The specialist will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines set out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many. This is due to the stigma surrounding the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals belonging to certain groups, such as those who are a person of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis because there isn't a single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the cause there are many who are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can lead to significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as in everyday 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 opt to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These include medication, psychosocial assistance or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's particular needs and circumstances. While assessments for adhd can ease symptoms and help improve performance, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD can benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in educational or work settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just assess for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of mental health which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by reviewing the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from individuals who are familiar with the person like family members and close friends.
If a doctor believes the patient is a candidate for ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. The most commonly used treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat side effects such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that can be a result of ADHD. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when required. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to get rid of, according to the BBC's investigation using FOI requests. This is a significant amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many individuals opt for the private assessment method and can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. They'll be attentive to your concerns and ask you to explain the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to take an assessment test to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it might be beneficial to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help them to comprehend the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is followed up on. Here you can download a sample of an email from ADHD UK.
After you have been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the examination, they'll look at your symptoms and investigate any mental health history that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The assessment can last between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be done in person or by video call.
You could be qualified for medication on the NHS if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However this is only possible if you're able to receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the wait time it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by searching their websites (except for those that do not run the service) or by contacting them.