How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before your consultation you will be given questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you're experiencing restlessness and trouble concentrating or you are having trouble to manage your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain works. But it's important to remember that there are other conditions that could be causing your difficulties and they should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, the specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also ask how long you have been suffering from these symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is also known as the DSM-5. They will also solicit opinions from people who know you, and will consider how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they will be able to determine quickly if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. If they're not sure, they will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment and look at your other health issues. adhd assessments will include examining other conditions that could be co-existent with ADHD, as well as those that could result in a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to provide assessments through video calls. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend that you look up the waiting times prior to you decide on one. You can consult your GP or call the service directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to you, be sure they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you can request your GP to refer you for an assessment. It is important to remember that GPs cannot 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 lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as when you were a child. They will also consider comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. They will use these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for those with ADHD is obtaining an diagnosis. This is because of the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. People from certain groups can also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, such as women of color, those born at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis because there is no 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 cause is ADHD. This can lead to significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS services, you can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the providers.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial support or both. The best choice for each individual will be based on their specific needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The specialist will not only examine for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which can often accompany or mimic ADHD among adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists and by asking people who know you well to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about possible treatment options. The most popular treatment is stimulants. treatment since they improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness. They can be found in tablets or injections, and can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to manage negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes related to ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs must be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients to an assessment and treatment if needed. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a long amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment option which allows them to be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they should inquire why you think you have ADHD. They may also ask you to fill out an assessment tool to determine if 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 time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to an overwhelming demand for the service and many regions are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it could be beneficial to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will help them to comprehend the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request gets acted upon. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the examination they'll discuss your symptoms and review your mental health history to rule out other conditions that might cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment could last between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video conference.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. This will only be possible if your GP can recommend you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you don't want to wait for an GP to refer you or if you don’t have one.
Alternately, you can get help from your local mental health trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by looking up their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or by contacting them.