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 not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before your appointment, you will be sent questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or you are having trouble to control your emotions, then it might be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain works. But it's important to remember that there are other issues that could be causing your difficulties, and these need to be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, the specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Then, they'll determine if you fit the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also ask for feedback from those who know you, and will consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning.
Psychologists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able tell you fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not sure they'll conduct an extensive psychiatric assessment and look at your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD as well as those that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
However, if you are trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private firms that provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times for each service before deciding on one. You can ask your GP about this, or you can call them directly to inquire what their current wait time is for an assessment. If this is important to your needs, make sure that they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD and you suspect it, you may ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. But, it's important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
When you attend your evaluation, you'll be able to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The assessment process is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also take into account other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. They will apply these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
One of the main challenges for those with ADHD is obtaining the diagnosis. This is due to the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness by health professionals. Additionally, those from certain groups, like those who are a person of color, assigned a female at birth, or not native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking treatment to treat their symptoms.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis since there isn't a single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the primary cause many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. adhd assessments near me can cause significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as in everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the waiting times at your local NHS services, you can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include psychosocial support, medication or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's specific requirements and situation. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
Someone with ADHD may benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in school or workplace settings. This can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of mental health which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists, and by asking people who know you well to give feedback.
If the specialist believes that the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over possible treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to manage adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss that are often related to ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when needed. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. 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 have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be considered seriously, and they'll ask you why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete screening tests to determine if you're eligible to be seen. If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
In England, the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it might be helpful to write a letter to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will assist them to comprehend the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request gets acted upon. Here is an example of an email from ADHD UK.
After you've been recommended, you'll be invited to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and examine any medical history that might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The test can take between 45 to 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video call.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible for medication through the NHS. This will only be attainable in the event that your GP is able to refer you for an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you don't want to wait around for an GP to refer you or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can locate 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 services) or contacting their press offices.