How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments 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 is run smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentrating, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's recommended to consult a physician to determine if ADHD could be the problem. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain functions. It is essential to be aware that other conditions may be causing you problems. These conditions must be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will consider how your symptoms impact your daily life and also seek opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able to quickly determine if you're eligible for diagnosis. If they are not sure, they will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD and also those that could lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If what is an adhd assessment having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS, private providers can offer assessments via video calls. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the wait times for each provider before choosing one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can call them directly to inquire the current waiting times for an assessment. If this is essential to your needs, make sure they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's worth checking with your GP to determine what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to note that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only relay your symptoms and ask for the referral to a mental health specialist.
You can expect to be assessed by psychiatrists. The specialist will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They may also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also consider other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. They will use these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for many. This could be because of the stigma associated with the condition as well as the lack of awareness among health professionals. People belonging to certain groups may also face discrimination if they seek help for their symptoms, like women of color, those born or non-native English speaking people.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can lead to significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as in everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are unhappy with the waiting times at your local NHS services You can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The best solution for each person will depend on their unique requirements and circumstances. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or educational setting. This can be done under the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only assess for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of the mental health, which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists and by asking people who know you well to provide feedback.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss the treatment options. The most popular treatment is stimulants. treatment since they improve concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. These can be found in the form of tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for adverse effects such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that are sometimes associated ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when needed. 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, by submitting FOI requests. This is a long amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment option, where they can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. They should consider your concerns seriously and ask you about the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if you are qualified to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average wait for 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 you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it might 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 test, and ensure that they take action on your request. Here is an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The assessment can be between 45 to 90 minutes and can be done in person or by video conference.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However it's only feasible if you're able receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If what is an adhd assessment don't have a GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you'd like to cut down the wait and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide a service) or by contacting their press offices.