How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a number of significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is not acceptable and must 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 runs smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentrating, restlessness or managing your emotions, it's recommended to consult a physician to determine if ADHD may be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way that the brain functions. It's important to be aware that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These conditions must be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also inquire about how long you have been experiencing these symptoms, and how they impact your life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will also ask for opinions from people who know you and consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they'll be able quickly determine if you're eligible for diagnosis. If love it 'll conduct a comprehensive mental health exam and review your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that can coexist with ADHD, as well as the conditions that could lead to an undiagnosed case of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS, private providers can provide assessments via video call. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you check out the waiting time before you decide on one. You can either consult your GP or call the provider directly to find out how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you think you be suffering from ADHD. It is important to note that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They are able to provide information about your symptoms and request for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
When you attend your assessment, you are likely to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to complete 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 specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were in your early years. They will also look at the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for a lot of people. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition, and a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. Additionally, those belonging to certain groups, such as people of color, a woman at birth or non-native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis as there is no single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different condition, such as anxiety or depression, when the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause significant problems with personal and professional relationships and also with day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are unhappy with the wait times for your local NHS services, you can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include psychosocial support, or both. The best choice for each individual will be based on their specific requirements and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial support can help with co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational setting. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just assess for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This is done by looking through symptom checklists and asking for feedback from people who know the person well, such as family members and close friends.
If a doctor believes the person meets the criteria of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness. They can be found in tablets or injections, and they can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for side effects, such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that are sometimes associated ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD for 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, by submitting FOI requests. This is an extended period of waiting for an essential service. Many people opt to take the private assessment route since they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness and they should inquire why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to complete a screening test to determine if you are qualified for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason why some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about the amount of time you be waiting for an assessment You may be able to write a letter to your GP explaining what you need. This will help your GP recognize the importance and urgency of the test and make sure they will act on your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the evaluation they'll look at your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out other medical conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video call.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. This will only be attainable in the event that your GP is able to refer you to 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 like to cut down the waiting time and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can find 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 that do not run services) or by contacting their press offices.