How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a lot of differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to fill out and your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to control your emotions, then you should consider visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way the brain functions. But it's important to remember that there are other conditions that could be causing your difficulties, and these need to be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also ask how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they impact your life. They will then determine if you fit the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will consider how your symptoms interfere with your daily life and also seek opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able to tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not certain they'll conduct a comprehensive mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include looking at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD as well as the conditions that can cause the wrong diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
However, if you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private companies that can offer assessments through a video call. The 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 you can call them directly to inquire what their current wait time is for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, so if this is important to you, then ensure that they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this service, so it's worth checking with your GP to determine what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to remember that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to relay your symptoms and ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
If you are scheduled for an evaluation, you'll be able to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were a child. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for those with ADHD is obtaining the diagnosis. This can be due to the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of understanding by health professionals. In addition, individuals who belong to certain groups, for instance those who are of color, a woman at birth, or are not native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis because there isn't a single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the cause, many people are mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can result in significant issues in personal and professional relationships as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. If you are unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS services you can opt to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the service providers.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The most appropriate solution for each person will depend on their unique requirements and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can address any coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as making adjustments 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 specialist will not only look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which often occur alongside or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists, and by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If a medical professional believes that the person meets the criteria of ADHD They will then discuss the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment since they improve concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed for side effects such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat depression or anxiety.
GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when needed. However, book adhd assessment has a backlog 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 a significant amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is why many people choose the private assessment route which allows them to be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment on NHS. They should consider your concerns seriously and ask the reasons you think you have ADHD. You might be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason 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 understand the importance and urgency of the test and make sure they take action on your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the evaluation, they'll review your symptoms and look over your mental health history to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However this is only feasible if you're able be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you'd like to cut down the wait time it is possible to self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not run services) or contacting their press offices.