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.
Before your appointment you will be given questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions then you should consider visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain performs. It is important to be aware that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These conditions must be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire 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. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will also seek feedback from those who know you and consider how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they'll be able determine quickly if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. If they're not sure they'll conduct an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that may coexist with ADHD, as well as those that can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to offer assessments via video calls. The 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 consult your GP or call the provider directly to determine the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, so should this be a priority for you, make sure they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's important to check with your GP to see what the arrangements are for your region.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, you may ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. It's important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and request a referral to a specialist.
You can be evaluated by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also take into consideration the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many. This could be due to the stigma surrounding the condition, and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Additionally, those from certain groups, for instance those who are of colour, assigned female at birth, or are not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test that can confirm ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different disorder, like depression or anxiety, even though the root cause is ADHD. This can lead to significant issues in personal and professional relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. If you are unhappy with the waiting times at your local NHS services you can opt to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These can include medication, psychosocial support or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's particular requirements and circumstances. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
Someone with ADHD could also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education environments. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD, the doctor will also determine if there are any mental health issues, which often occur in conjunction with or are similar to ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists, and by asking people who know you well to provide feedback.
If the specialist believes that an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about possible treatment options. The most commonly used treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. These can be found in the form of tablets or injections. They can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to manage adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients with concerns about ADHD to an assessment and treatment. 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 an essential service, which is why many opt for the private assessment option, where they can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously and they should ask you why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to take an assessment test to determine if you're eligible to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they will 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 enormous demand for the service and many regions are struggling to keep up with it.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting for an appointment You may be able to write a letter to your GP detailing what you require. This will help them to be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request is followed up on. Here is an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and look into any medical history that might be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or through a video call.
You may be eligible for medication on the NHS if your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However this is only possible if you are able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. cheapest adhd assessment can self-refer if you do not want to wait for a GP to refer you or in the event that you don't have one.
Alternately, you can seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not run an assessment service) or contacting their press offices.