How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Prior to your appointment, you will be sent questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly 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 it might be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain functions. It is essential to be aware that other conditions could cause problems. These need to be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also ask you how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they impact your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, called the DSM-5. They will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily life as well as requesting input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to determine fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they are not sure, they will carry out an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could be co-existent with ADHD and the conditions that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
If you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private firms that provide assessments via video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend to look over the waiting times before you select one. You can either consult your GP or call the provider directly to determine how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, so if this is important to you, make sure they do offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to determine what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you think you have ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves - they can only provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to an expert in mental health.
You can anticipate to be evaluated by psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The assessment process is based on the guidelines set out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as a child. They will also take into account other comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
One of the main challenges for people who have ADHD is obtaining an diagnosis. This is due to the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among health professionals. People from certain groups can be subject to discrimination when they seek help for their symptoms, like women of color, people of color born or non-native English speaking people.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis because there isn't a single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a other condition, such as depression or anxiety, even though the underlying problem is ADHD. This can result in significant issues with professional and personal relationships as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times for your local NHS services you can opt to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. cheap adhd assessment uk include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The best option will depend on the individual's particular requirements and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any other mental health issues that often occur in conjunction with or are similar to ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes the person has the characteristics of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment since they improve concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They can be found in tablets or injections. They can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to manage negative side effects, including eating disorders and sleep problems that are often associated with ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage underlying depression or anxiety.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear according to an investigation by the BBC using FOI requests. This is a long amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is why many individuals opt for the private assessment method which allows them to be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. They'll be attentive to your concerns and ask you to explain what you think might cause you to be suffering from ADHD. They may request you to complete screening tools to determine whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is because there is an enormous demand for this service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting to be assessed You may consider writing a letter to your GP explaining what you need. This will help them to understand the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request is followed up upon. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a specialist to a specialist, you'll be referred to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and look over your mental health history to rule out any other conditions that might be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video calls.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible for medication through the NHS. However, this will only be feasible if you're able get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who is willing to refer you, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait time, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
Alternatively, you can seek help from your local mental health trust. You can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those which do not offer a service) or contacting their press offices.