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 not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD may be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way the brain functions. It's important to be aware that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These should be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire about how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they impact your 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 consider the ways in which your symptoms affect your daily activities and also seek input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not certain, they will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This will include a look at other conditions which can be associated with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause a misdiagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to offer assessments via video calls. 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. adhd assessments uk can consult your GP about this, or you can call directly to find out what their current wait time is for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatments following an assessment, therefore if this is important to you, then ensure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worth checking with your GP to find out what arrangements are for your region.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral in the event that you think you be suffering from ADHD. It's important to keep in mind that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They can only report symptoms and suggest for a referral to a specialist.
You can expect to be evaluated by psychiatrists. The specialist will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines set out 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 consider other comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a challenge for many people. This could be because of the stigma associated with the condition as well as the lack of understanding by health professionals. In addition, people from certain groups, like those who are of colour, assigned female at birth or non-native English speakers, may face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test that can prove ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root cause is ADHD. This can lead to significant issues with personal and professional relationships as well as day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers the 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've put together the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. They can include psychosocial support, medication or both. The best option will depend on the individual's unique requirements and situation. While medication can ease symptoms and improve performance, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a few adjustments to their environment, such as making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or educational settings. This is done under the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only assess for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of mental health which may often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by examining the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from people who are familiar with the person, such as family members and friends.
If a medical professional believes that the patient has the characteristics of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. The most common treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and they can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat side effects like insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns about ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to get rid of according to the BBC's investigation, using FOI requests. This is a significant amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many opt for the private assessment route and can be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to visit your GP. They should consider your concerns seriously and ask you about why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete a screening test to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to the an overwhelming demand for this service, and many areas are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you are worried about the length of time you will have to wait for an assessment, you might be able to write a letter to your GP informing them of the information you require. Home Page will allow them be aware of the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request gets acted on. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an assessment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. In the course of the assessment, they'll look at your symptoms and investigate any mental health history that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video calls.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible for medication through the NHS. However this is only possible if you are able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait time it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer services) or contacting their press offices.