How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your consultation you will receive questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you are having trouble concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is worth consulting a doctor about whether ADHD might 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 is essential to keep in mind that other conditions could be causing problems for you. adhd assessments must be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, called the DSM-5. They will also solicit feedback from those who know you and consider how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Psychologists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able to determine fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not sure, they'll do a full psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD and also those that could lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to provide assessments through video calls. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend to look over the waiting times prior to you choose one. You can consult your GP about this, or you can contact them directly to inquire what their current wait is for an assessment. If this is essential to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP about the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP for a referral If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and ask a referral to an expert.
When you attend your evaluation, you'll be able to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They might also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process is guided by 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 consider the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. They will utilize these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for those suffering from ADHD is getting an diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of awareness by healthcare professionals. Additionally, those from certain groups, such as those who are a person of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test to prove ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a other condition, such as anxiety or depression, when the root cause is ADHD. This can cause problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are unhappy with the waiting times at your local NHS services You can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled an inventory of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The best solution for each person will depend on their unique requirements and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can help with any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD could also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or educational settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which often occur alongside or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by looking through the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from people who are familiar with the person, such as family members and friends.
If a doctor believes the person has the characteristics of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They can be found in tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed for side effects, such as insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD for an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to get rid of, according to the BBC's investigation, using FOI requests. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many opt for the private assessment option and can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. They'll consider your concerns seriously and ask what you think might cause you to have ADHD. They may also ask you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to an enormous demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep up with it.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it may be beneficial to write a letter to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will help your doctor be aware of the importance and urgency of the examination and ensure that they take action upon your request. Here you can download a sample of the letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred to a specialist to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. In the course of the assessment, they'll look at your symptoms and investigate any mental health history that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video calls.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS when your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However it's only feasible if you're able be assessed 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 even if you don't have a GP.
You can also get help from your local mental health trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that don't run the service) or contacting them.