How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to fill out that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your appointment is run smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or you are having trouble to manage your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way the brain performs. It is important to keep in mind that there are other issues that might be causing your problems, and these need to be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. Then, they will determine if you meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider the ways in which your symptoms affect your daily activities and also seek input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able tell you in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they're not sure they'll conduct a comprehensive psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD, as well as those that could result in a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
However, if you are trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private firms that offer assessments through a video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you check out the waiting times before you decide on one. You can ask your GP about this, or contact directly to find out what their current wait time is for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatments following an assessment, so If this is important to you then make sure that they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP about the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you can ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. It is important to note that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only relay your symptoms and ask for an appointment with an expert in mental health.
You can expect to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. They might also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also consider other comorbidities, like 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 the diagnosis. This is because of the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of understanding by health professionals. In addition, individuals who belong to certain groups, like those who are of color, assigned a female at birth or non-native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis as there is no single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the root cause, many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can cause problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as in everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the 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 opt to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled an inventory of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the waiting times, you should get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. They include medication, psychosocial support or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will depend on their unique requirements and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial support can address any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational setting. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The specialist will not only examine for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of the mental health, which may often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This will be done by examining symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from people who know the person well like family members and close friends.
If a doctor believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about treatment options. The most commonly used treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. These can be found in the form of tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed for adverse effects like insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns about ADHD to an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. cheapest adhd assessment is a substantial amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many individuals opt for the private assessment method, where they can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they should inquire why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to take an assessment test to determine if your qualified for an appointment. Once your GP accepts to refer you, you'll be added to the NHS waiting lists.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it might be beneficial to write a letter to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will allow your GP to be aware of the importance and urgency of the examination and ensure that they take action on your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the examination, 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 impacts your daily routine. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video calls.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However it's only possible if you're able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you do not want to wait for an GP to refer you, or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide a service) or by contacting their press offices.