How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to complete, which your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or find it difficult to control your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain functions. It is important to be aware that other conditions may be causing you problems. These need to be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, the specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. Then, they will 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 interfere with your daily life as well as requesting input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they'll be able to quickly determine if you meet the criteria for an assessment. If they're not certain they'll conduct a full psychiatric history and look at your other health issues. This will include looking at other illnesses that can be associated with ADHD and also those which can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers can offer assessments via video calls. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times for each provider before choosing one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or contact them directly to inquire the current waiting times for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatments following an assessment, therefore should this be a priority for you, then ensure that they provide this service. Certain providers have agreements to offer this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral If you suspect that you have ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and request a referral to an expert.
You can be evaluated by psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your life and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as a child. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a challenge for a lot of people. This can be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition and the lack of awareness by health professionals. People belonging to certain groups may be subject to discrimination when they seek treatment for their symptoms, like women of color, those born at birth or non-native English speaking individuals.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis since there is no single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the primary cause, many people are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. This can cause difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS service, you can choose to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled an inventory of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These include psychosocial therapy, medication, or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's unique requirements and circumstances. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance, psychosocial support can help with co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD could benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The specialist will not only look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which may often occur alongside or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by reviewing symptom checklists and asking for feedback from individuals who know the person like family members and close friends.
If a doctor believes the person is a candidate for ADHD they will go over the options for treatment. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. These are available as tablets or injections, and can have both short and long-term effects.
online assessment for adhd can be prescribed to control adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss that are often related to ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients to an assessment and treatment whenever required. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to get rid of, according to an investigation by the BBC using FOI requests. This is a significant amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many individuals opt for the private assessment method and can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness, and they should inquire what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They might request you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason why many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting to be assessed, you might be able to write a letter to your GP explaining what you need. This will help your GP recognize the importance and urgency of the test and make sure they will act upon your request. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a specialist for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or 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 ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video calls.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS when your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However this is only possible if you are able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you don't want to wait around for a GP to refer you or even if you don't have a GP.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not provide services) or by contacting their press offices.