How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to complete that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty concentration, restlessness or managing your emotions, it is recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD may be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain functions. It's important to remember that other conditions may cause problems. These should be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also ask you how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will also ask for opinions from people who know you and look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able determine quickly if you are eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not certain they'll take a full psychiatric history and look at your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and those that can lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to offer assessments via video calls. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you check out the waiting times before you decide on one. You can consult your GP about this, or call them directly to inquire what their current wait time is for an assessment. If this is essential to your needs, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may have ADHD. It's important to keep in mind that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and ask a referral to an expert.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you can expect to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The specialist will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They may also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process 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 as an infant. They will also look at other comorbidities like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine whether 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 that surrounds the condition and a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals from certain groups, for instance those who are of colour, assigned female at birth, or are not native English speakers, may face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis because there isn't a single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the root of the issue is ADHD. This can result in significant issues with personal and professional relationships, as well as with daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're not satisfied with the wait times at your local NHS service, you can choose to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, contact the service providers.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial support or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can address any coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD can benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education settings. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of mental health which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This is accomplished by looking through the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from people who know the person well, such as family members and friends.
If a specialist believes that the person is a candidate for ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to manage side effects, such as sleep problems and appetite loss that are often related to ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
adhd assessment uk are legally required to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear, according to the BBC's investigation, using FOI requests. This is a long amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many opt for the private assessment method, where they can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be considered seriously and they should inquire why you think you have ADHD. They might also ask you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it may be beneficial to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will allow your GP to be aware of the importance and urgency of the assessment, and ensure that they take action on your request. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the evaluation they'll look at your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out other conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video conference.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible for medication through the NHS. However it's only possible if you are able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who will agree to refer you, or you'd like to cut down the wait time and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private healthcare provider.
Alternatively, you can seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not run an assessment service) or contacting their press offices.