How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete and your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor to determine if ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain operates. It is essential to remember that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These conditions must be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also ask you how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they impact your life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms interfere with your daily life, as well as seeking feedback from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they will be able to tell fairly quickly whether you are eligible for diagnosis. If they're unsure, they'll do a full psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that could be co-existent with ADHD, as well as those that can lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
However, if you are 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 wait times for each one prior to deciding on one. You can either ask your GP or contact the provider directly to learn the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, be sure they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
adhd assessments
If you suspect you might have ADHD and you suspect it, you can inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. It is 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.
You can anticipate to be assessed by a psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They may also ask 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 specialist will take a look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also look at the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
One of the main challenges for people who have ADHD is getting an diagnosis. This could be because of the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness by health professionals. Certain groups of people may also face discrimination if they seek help for their symptoms, like women of color, people of color assigned at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
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 primary cause many people are mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can lead to significant issues in 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 opt to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled an inventory of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about timeframes for waiting, contact the providers.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These include psychosocial aid or both. The most suitable choice for each individual will be based on their specific needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
Someone with ADHD can also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their surroundings for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in educational or work 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 mental health which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done by reviewing symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from those who know the person like family members and friends.
If a medical professional believes that the person meets the criteria of ADHD they will go over the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment because they boost concentration and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in tablets or injections, and can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to manage side effects, such as eating disorders and sleep problems, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Some people can benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat depression or anxiety.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever needed. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to get rid of according to an investigation by the BBC through FOI requests. This is a long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be taken seriously and they'll ask you what you think you might have ADHD. They might request you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. If your GP agrees to refer you, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
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 areas are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If assessment adhd concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it could be beneficial to write an email to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will assist them to be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted on. Here you can download a sample of a letter from ADHD UK.
After you have been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the examination they'll discuss your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment can take between 45 and 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 treatment through the NHS. However this is only possible if you're able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you, or you want to avoid the waiting time it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer an assessment service) or contacting their press offices.