How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to fill out, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are having trouble staying focused, calming down or managing your emotions, it's recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD could be the problem. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain works. It is important to keep in mind that there are other conditions that could be causing your difficulties and should be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They will also ask you how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they impact your life. Then, they will determine if you meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily life, as well as seeking input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able to determine quickly if you are eligible for diagnosis. If they're unsure, they'll do a full psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health problems. This includes looking at other conditions that may coexist with ADHD and those that can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
However, if you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private providers who can offer assessments through a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the wait times for each provider before choosing one. You can consult your GP or call the service directly to learn 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 agreements with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worth checking with your GP to determine what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD or other related disorders, you can request your GP to refer you for an assessment. It's important to keep in mind that GPs can't diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and suggest for a referral to a specialist.
You can expect to be evaluated by psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based upon the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as a child. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. They will apply these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a challenge for many. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. Iam Psychiatry of people may be subject to discrimination when they seek help for their symptoms, such as women of color, those born, or non-native English speaking individuals.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis because there is no single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the cause, many people are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can cause significant problems with personal and professional relationships, as well as with daily functioning.
The NHS offers the 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 decide to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out the waiting times, you should contact the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. They include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The best option will depend on the individual's unique requirements and situation. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve performance, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD may benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in educational or work settings. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just assess for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by reviewing symptom checklists and asking for feedback from those who know the person well, such as family members and close friends.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment because they boost concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite that can be a result of ADHD. Some people can benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage depression or anxiety.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they are legally required to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if required. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is an extremely long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people choose to go the route of private assessment because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be considered seriously, and they should ask you what you think you might have ADHD. You may be asked to take a screening test to determine if your qualified for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason why some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you are concerned about the length of time you will have to wait to be assessed You may want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will allow your GP to be aware of the importance and urgency of the assessment, and ensure that they act upon your request. Here is a sample of the letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred, you'll be invited to an assessment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they'll look at your symptoms and review your mental health history to rule out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test can be between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video call.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However, this will only be possible if you're able to receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you'd like to cut down the waiting time, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or contacting them.