How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Prior to your appointment you will be given pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then review them. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're having difficulty staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD could be the problem. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain functions. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other issues that may be causing your issues and should be considered before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also inquire about how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is also called the DSM-5. how much is an adhd assessment uk will also ask for input from people who know you and look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to tell you in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they're not sure they'll conduct a thorough mental health exam and review your other health problems. This includes looking at other illnesses that can be associated with ADHD as well as those which can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, private providers can provide assessments via video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend that you look up the waiting time before you decide on one. You can consult your GP or call the provider directly to find out how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to your needs, make sure they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's worthwhile to consult your GP to determine what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP to refer you to a specialist If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to know that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to an expert in mental health.
You can expect to be assessed by psychiatrists. This specialist will interview you about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. They may also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process is guided by 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 a child. They will also look at other comorbidities like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for a lot of people. This can be due to the stigma associated with the condition as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may be subject to discrimination when they seek help for their symptoms, for example, women of color, people of color born, or non-native English speaking people.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis because there is no single test that can prove the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the cause there are many who are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can cause significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as in daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the wait time at your local NHS service, you can choose to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The most suitable option for each individual will be based on their specific needs and situation. Medicines can ease symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD might also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This is done under the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD, the doctor will also examine whether there are any mental health issues that frequently accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done by examining symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from those who know the person well, such as family members and close friends.
If the specialist believes that the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes related to ADHD. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients to an assessment and treatment if required. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a significant amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many individuals opt for the private assessment route which allows them to be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they should inquire what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They might request you to complete screening tools to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In England, the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to a high demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it might be helpful to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will help your GP be aware of the importance and urgency of the test and make sure they take action upon your request. Here is an example of a letter from ADHD UK.
After you have been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the evaluation they'll look at your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out other conditions that might be causing your ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The test can take between 45 and 90 minutes and can be done in person or by video conference.
You could be qualified for medication on the NHS if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However, this will only be possible if you're able to receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the wait time, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not run a service) or contacting their press offices.