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.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to fill out, which your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain operates. It is important to keep in mind that other conditions may be causing you problems. These should be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also want to know how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily life, as well as seeking opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able tell you 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 illnesses that can be associated with ADHD as well as those which can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the wait times for each one prior to deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can contact them directly to inquire what their current wait time is for an assessment. If this is crucial to your needs, make sure they provide this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worth checking with your GP to see what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and you suspect it, you can request your GP to refer you for an assessment. It is important to remember that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to relay your symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert in mental health.
You can be assessed by psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your life and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms affect your life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were in your early years. They will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. They will use these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many. This can be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition, as well as the lack of understanding by health professionals. People from certain groups can be discriminated against if they seek help for their symptoms, such as women of color, people of color assigned at birth or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is no test that can prove ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can lead to significant issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. If you are dissatisfied with the waiting times at your local NHS services you can opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the providers.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for those suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's particular needs and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and improve performance, psychosocial support can help with co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only examine for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which may often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by looking through symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from those who are familiar with the person like family members and friends.
If the specialist believes that an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over possible treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They can be found in the form of tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes related to ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients to an assessment and treatment whenever needed. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a long amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many opt for the private assessment option which allows them to be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to see your GP. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you about what you think might cause you to have ADHD. You might be asked to complete screening tests 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. This is due to the an overwhelming demand for the service, and many regions are struggling to keep pace with it.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it could be helpful to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will help your doctor understand the importance and urgency of the test, and ensure that they will act on your request. You can download a 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 review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They will also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video conference.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However this is only feasible if you're able receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you do not want to wait for an GP to refer you, or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. click here for more info 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 run a service) or by contacting their press offices.