How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to complete, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions then you should consider visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way in which the brain performs. It is important to keep in mind that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These need to be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you undergo an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Then, they will determine if you meet the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily functioning, as well as seeking opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able to determine in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they're not certain they'll conduct a thorough psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include a look at other conditions which can coexist with ADHD as well as those that could lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
If you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private companies that can provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the waiting times of each provider before choosing one. You can consult your GP about this, or you can call directly to find out what their current wait is for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure they provide this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP about the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP for a referral If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to know that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves. They are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for the referral to an expert in mental health.
If you are scheduled for an evaluation, you'll be able 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 require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were in your early years. They will also take into account the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. They will apply these criteria to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many people. This can be because of the stigma surrounding the condition, as well as an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. Additionally, those from certain groups, for instance people of color, assigned a female at birth or non-native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test that can confirm ADHD. When ADHD is the cause, many people are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can lead to significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can decide to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These can include psychosocial support, medication or both. The most suitable solution for each person will depend on their unique needs and circumstances. Medicines can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education environments. 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 the mental health, which often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. what is an adhd assessment is accomplished by examining symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from individuals who are familiar with the person, such as family members and friends.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment, as they increase concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and they can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed for adverse effects, such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to manage depression or anxiety.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is a significant amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many opt for the private assessment method which allows them to be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness, and they should inquire why you think you be suffering from ADHD. They might also ask you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. If your GP agrees to refer you, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In England The average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to an overwhelming demand for this service, and many regions are struggling to keep up with it.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it could be beneficial to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your GP recognize the importance and urgency of the assessment and make sure they take action upon your request. Here is a sample of a letter from ADHD UK.
After you have been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They will also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The assessment could be between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video call.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible for medication through the NHS. However, this will only be possible if you are able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the waiting time and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private healthcare provider.
Alternatively, you can seek help from your local mental health trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide services) or by contacting their press offices.