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 fill out, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or find it difficult to manage your emotions then it may be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way in which the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that there are other issues that may be causing your issues, and these need to be considered before you are able to be diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM-5. They will also ask for input from people who know you and consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able to determine quickly if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. If they're unsure, they'll do a full mental health exam and review your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions which can coexist with ADHD and also those which can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
If you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private providers who can provide assessments via video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend that you check out the waiting time before you choose one. You can consult your GP about this, or call directly to find out what their current wait is for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatments following an assessment, so If this is important to you, make sure they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD or other related disorders, you may inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. It's important to keep in mind that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest a referral to a specialist.
You can expect to be evaluated by psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). assessment of adhd will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you as in your early years. They will also consider other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. They will use these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a struggle for many people. This is because of the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of understanding by health professionals. Additionally, those belonging to certain groups, such as people of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different disorder, like anxiety or depression, when the underlying problem is ADHD. This can cause significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as with day-to-day 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 a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled an inventory of 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. They can include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The best solution for each person will depend on their unique needs and situation. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial support can help with co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD, the doctor will also look at whether there are any comorbid mental health issues that often occur in conjunction with or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a specialist believes that the person meets the criteria of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. The most common treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat side effects, such as sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes related to ADHD. Certain people may benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns regarding ADHD for an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a long time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route since they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness and they'll ask you why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if you are qualified for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it could be helpful to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your GP 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.
After you have been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test can take between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be done in person or by video calls.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However, this will only be feasible if you're able be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you'd like to cut down the waiting time, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer services) or contacting their press offices.