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.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to fill out, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty concentrating, restlessness or managing your emotions, it's recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain operates. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other conditions that could be causing your difficulties and they should be considered before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
When you take part in 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 affect your daily life. More Material will then determine if you fit the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also solicit feedback from those who know you, and will consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able tell fairly quickly whether you are eligible for an assessment. If they are not sure they'll take an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that may be co-existent with ADHD, as well as the conditions that could lead to an undiagnosed case of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers can provide assessments via video call. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend to look over the waiting time before you decide on one. You can either consult your GP or call the provider directly to find out the time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment so if this is important to you then make sure that they do offer this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worth checking with your GP to see what arrangements are for your region.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD or other related disorders, you can inquire with your GP to refer you to an assessment. It's important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert.
You can be evaluated by psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based upon the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were a child. They will also consider other comorbidities like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for a lot of people. This could be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition and the lack of awareness among health professionals. People belonging to certain groups may be subject to discrimination when they seek help for their symptoms, such as women of color, people of color assigned at birth or non-native English speaking people.
There is no test that can prove ADHD. If ADHD is the primary cause many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can result in significant issues in personal and professional relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers the 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 another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about timeframes for waiting, contact the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. These include psychosocial support, medication or both. The most suitable solution for each person will be based on their specific needs and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of mental health which can often occur alongside or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done by reviewing symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from people who know the person well like family members and friends.
If the specialist believes that an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available as tablets or injections, and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to manage negative side effects, including eating disorders and sleep problems that are often associated with ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to clear according to an investigation by the BBC through FOI requests. This is a long amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many individuals opt for the private assessment method, where they can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be considered seriously, and they'll ask you what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to take a screening test to determine if you are eligible to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to an enormous demand for this service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with it.
If you are concerned about the length of time you will be waiting to be assessed You may be able to write a letter to your GP explaining what you need. This will help your GP be aware of the importance and urgency of the test and make sure they act upon your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
After you've been recommended, you'll be invited to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the evaluation they'll discuss your symptoms and examine your mental health background to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video call.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible for medication through the NHS. This is only possible in the event that your GP is able to recommend you for an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you'd prefer to avoid the waiting time it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
Alternately, you can seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or by contacting them.