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 must be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to complete that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with restlessness and trouble concentrating or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions then it might be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects how the brain performs. It is important to keep in mind that other conditions could cause problems. These need to be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your therapist will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they impact your life. They will then determine if you are in compliance with the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily functioning and also seek input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they will be able to determine quickly if you are eligible for diagnosis. If they're not sure they'll conduct a thorough psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include a look at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
However, if you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private providers who can provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the waiting times for each one prior to deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can contact them directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. If this is essential to you, make sure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worth checking with your GP to determine what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you think you have ADHD. It is important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD by themselves. They are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
You can anticipate to be assessed by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They will apply these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
One of the main challenges for those suffering from ADHD is getting the diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma surrounding the condition as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, people from certain groups, for instance people of colour, assigned female at birth, or are not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
It can be difficult to make 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 as having depression or anxiety. This can lead to significant issues with personal and professional relationships and also with everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS services, you can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These include psychosocial support or both. The most appropriate choice for each individual will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can help with any co-existing issues like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD, the doctor will also look at whether there are any mental health issues that frequently accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists, and by asking people who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a medical professional believes that the person is a candidate for ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. The most popular treatment is stimulants. treatment because they boost concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and they can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed for adverse effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs must take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when needed. 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, using FOI requests. This is a significant amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many individuals opt for the private assessment method which allows them to be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment on NHS. They should consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to take screening tests to determine if your qualified for an appointment. After your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In adhd assessment cost waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it might be helpful to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your GP recognize the importance and urgency of the assessment and make sure they act upon your request. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the evaluation, they'll review your symptoms and review your mental health history to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However it's only feasible if you're able get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the wait time and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private health provider.
You can also seek support 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 run an assessment service) or by contacting their press offices.