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 unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to fill out, which your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will help to ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're experiencing anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to control your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way in which the brain functions. It is important to remember that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These should be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire about how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Then, they'll determine if you fit the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily life as well as requesting input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able tell fairly quickly whether you are eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not certain they'll conduct a thorough psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that may coexist with ADHD and the conditions that could lead to an undiagnosed case of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can provide assessments via video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you look up the waiting times prior to you select one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can call directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatments following an assessment, therefore If this is important to you then make sure that they do offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to determine what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP for a referral in the event that you think you have ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They can only report symptoms and request for a referral to a specialist.
You can expect to be assessed by psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you as in your early years. They will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for those suffering from ADHD is obtaining an diagnosis. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals from certain groups, like those who are a person of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English speakers, can face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis as there is no test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different condition, such as anxiety or depression, when the underlying problem is ADHD. This can cause issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS services You can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out about wait times, contact the service providers.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for people with ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The most suitable option for each individual will depend on their individual requirements and circumstances. While this post can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or educational setting. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The specialist will not only assess for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by reviewing symptom checklists and asking for feedback from those who are familiar with the person like family members and close friends.
If a doctor believes 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 decrease impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and they can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to control negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss that are often associated with ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients to an assessment and treatment when needed. However, the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear, according to the BBC's investigation through FOI requests. This is an extremely long period of waiting for an essential service. Many people opt to take the route of private assessment because they can self-refer and get direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness and they should inquire why you believe you may have ADHD. You may be asked to complete a screening test to determine if you are qualified to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England The average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting for an appointment, you might want to write a note to your GP explaining what you need. This will assist them be aware of the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request gets acted on. Here is an example of a letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The test can last between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS if your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be attainable in the event that your GP is able to refer you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is a possibility if don't want to wait for a GP to refer you, or in the event that you don't have one.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can find out 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.