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 needs to be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to complete and your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you are having trouble concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD may be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain performs. It's important to keep in mind that other conditions may be causing you problems. These should be considered before 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 suffering from these symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will also consider how your symptoms interfere with your daily functioning as well as requesting input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able quickly determine if you're eligible for diagnosis. If they're not sure, they'll do a full psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD and those that could result in an undiagnosed case of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers can provide assessments through video calls. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you look up the waiting times before you choose one. You can either inquire with your GP or call the provider directly to find out how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's important to check with your GP to see what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and you suspect it, you can inquire with your GP to refer you to an assessment. But, it's important to note that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to provide information about your symptoms and request for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you are likely to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your life and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The assessment process is based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also look at comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a struggle for a lot of people. This could be due to the stigma surrounding the condition, and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals from certain groups, such as people of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. When ADHD is the primary cause, many people are mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can cause problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as in day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are unhappy with the waiting times at your local NHS services, you can choose to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. They include medication, psychosocial assistance, or both. The most appropriate choice for each individual will be based on their specific requirements and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can address coexisting 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 the workplace or education settings. like it can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only examine for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of mental health which may 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 provide feedback.
If a specialist believes an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over possible treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment because they boost concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in tablets or injections and can be used for both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat side effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite that are sometimes associated ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs must be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when required. However, the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to eliminate according to the BBC's investigation, by submitting FOI requests. This is an extremely long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people prefer to take the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be considered seriously and they should ask you what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They might request you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible for an appointment. If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is because there is an overwhelming demand for the service and many regions are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you're worried about the length of time you will have to wait for an assessment You may want to write a note to your GP explaining what you need. This will allow your GP to recognize the importance and urgency of the assessment and make sure they will act upon your request. Here is a sample of a letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The assessment can be between 45 and 90 minutes, and be conducted either in person or by video call.
You may be qualified for medication on the NHS if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible if your GP can recommend you for an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you do not want to wait 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 find 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 run a service) or by contacting their press offices.