How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to complete that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are having trouble concentrating, restlessness or managing your emotions, it's recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD may be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain operates. It is essential to remember that other conditions may cause problems. These need to be taken into consideration before 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 been suffering from the 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 also known as the DSM-5. They will also ask for opinions from people who know you, and will consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily life.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able to tell fairly quickly whether you meet the criteria for diagnosis. If they're unsure they'll conduct a comprehensive mental health exam and review your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions which can coexist with ADHD as well as those that could lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
However, if you are struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private firms that provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times for each one prior to deciding on one. You can ask your GP about this, or call directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. If this is essential to you, be sure they offer this service. Some 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
You can ask your GP for a referral if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to know that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to a mental health specialist.
When you attend your assessment, you are likely to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The specialist will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based upon the guidelines developed 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 take into account the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for a lot of people. This is due to the stigma associated with the condition, and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may be subject to discrimination when they seek treatment for their symptoms, such as women of color, people of color born at birth or non-native English speaking people.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis since there is no single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the primary cause many people are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can cause difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as in everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS service you can decide to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available to people suffering from ADHD. They can include psychosocial therapy, medication or both. The best choice for each individual will depend on their individual needs and situation. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
Someone with ADHD may also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their surroundings like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in educational or work settings. This can be done under the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD, the doctor will also look at whether there are any comorbid mental health issues that frequently accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists, and by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a medical professional believes that the person has the characteristics of ADHD they will go over the options for treatment. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and can be used for short- or long-term effects.
adhd assessments uk iampsychiatry can be prescribed to manage negative side effects, including eating disorders and sleep problems that are often associated with ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever needed. According to the BBC that a backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is an extended time to wait for an essential service. Many people choose to go the private assessment route because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. They'll consider your concerns seriously and ask what you think might cause you to have ADHD. You might be asked to complete a screening test to determine if your qualified to be seen. If your GP accepts to refer you, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to an enormous demand for this service, and many regions are struggling to keep up with it.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it could be beneficial to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help them to comprehend the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted upon. Here you can download an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They will also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The test can be between 45 and 90 minutes, and be conducted either in person or by video calls.
You could be eligible for medication through the NHS in the event that your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This is only possible if your GP can recommend you for an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you don't want to wait around for an GP to refer you or even if you don't have a GP.
Alternatively, you can seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that offer 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.