How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your consultation you will be given questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you're experiencing anxiety and irritability or are finding it difficult to control your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain operates. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other conditions that could be causing your difficulties and they should be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, the specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also want to know how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they impact your life. Then, they will determine if you fit the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily life, as well as seeking input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able to quickly determine if you are eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not sure they'll conduct a thorough psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This will include looking at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD and also those which can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS, private providers can provide assessments via video call. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend that you check out the waiting times before you choose one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or call them directly to find out what their current wait is for an assessment. If this is essential to you, be sure they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to find out what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
Request 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 can't diagnose ADHD They can only report symptoms and request a referral to an expert.
You can be assessed by a psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as a child. They will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for those suffering from ADHD is obtaining the diagnosis. This can be due to 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, such as women of color, people of color assigned at birth or non-native English speaking people.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis as there is no test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root of the issue is ADHD. This can result in significant issues in personal and professional relationships as well as day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times for your local NHS services you can opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These include psychosocial support, or both. The most suitable option for each individual will be based on their specific needs and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can help with any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
Someone with ADHD can benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in educational or work environments. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also look at whether there are any comorbid mental health issues, which frequently accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by reviewing the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from those who know the person like family members and close friends.
If a doctor believes the patient has the characteristics of ADHD, they will discuss the treatment options. assessment adhd used treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available as tablets or injections and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to control negative side effects, including issues with sleep and loss of appetite, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they are legally required to refer patients to an assessment and treatment if required. 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 individuals opt for the private assessment option and can be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. They'll be attentive to your concerns and ask you about what you think might cause you to be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to complete a screening test to determine if you are eligible to be seen. After add adhd assessment accepts to refer you, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about the length of time you will have to wait to be assessed, you might want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will help your doctor understand the importance and urgency of the examination and ensure that they will act on your request. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
After you have been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the evaluation they'll discuss your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other medical conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or via video calls.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. This is only possible if your GP can refer you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you want to avoid the waiting time, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by searching their websites (except for those that do not run the service) or contacting them.