How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to fill out that your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is run smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are having trouble concentration, restlessness or managing your emotions, it is worth consulting a doctor about whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain performs. It's important to remember that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These should be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin 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 are in compliance with the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also ask for opinions from people who know you and look at the impact of your symptoms on your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able determine quickly if you are eligible for diagnosis. If they're not certain, they'll do a full mental health exam and review your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD, as well as the conditions that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers can provide assessments via video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest to look over the waiting time before you choose one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or call them directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. It's important to keep in mind that GPs can't diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to a specialist.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you can expect to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The doctor will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also look at comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many. This could be because of the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of understanding by health professionals. In addition, people belonging to certain groups, such as those who are of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English people, could face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis because there is no single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, even though the root cause is ADHD. This can lead to significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're not satisfied with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can opt to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial assistance, or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's particular needs and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can address any coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD can also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their surroundings like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education environments. This can be done with the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD, the specialist will also determine if there are any other mental health issues that often occur in conjunction with or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists, and by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes the patient is a candidate for ADHD They will then discuss the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. These are available as pills or injections and may have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to manage negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss that are often related to ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs must take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever required. However, the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to clear, according to the BBC's investigation, through 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 route, where they can be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness, and they should ask you what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They may also ask you to fill out an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In England the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. cheap adhd assessment is due to the an overwhelming demand for the service and many areas are struggling to keep pace with it.
If you're worried about how long you'll need to wait, it may be beneficial to write a letter to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will allow them to understand the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request is acted on. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and review your mental health history to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment can be between 45 to 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video call.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However, this will only be possible if you are able to receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the wait, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
Alternatively, you can seek out support from your local mental health 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 provide an assessment service) or by contacting their press offices.