How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete, which your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment runs smoothly without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD could be the problem. Around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way in which the brain functions. It is essential to keep in mind that other conditions could cause problems. These conditions must be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also want to know how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they affect your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM-5. They will also seek input from people who know you and consider how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to determine within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're unsure, they'll do a full psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that may coexist with ADHD and those that could result in a missed diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private companies that can provide assessments via video call. adhd assessment uk online are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the waiting times of each service before deciding on one. You can either inquire with your GP or contact the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to your needs, make sure they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this service, so it's worthwhile to consult your GP to find out what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask 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 unable to diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to relay your symptoms and ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you can expect to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They may also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as a child. They will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. 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 due to the stigma that surrounds the condition, and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may be subject to discrimination when they seek help for their symptoms, such as women of color, people of color born at birth or non-native English speaking people.
There is no test that can confirm ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, even though the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as 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 opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the wait times, contact the providers.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include psychosocial therapy, medication or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's particular requirements and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
Someone with ADHD could benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in educational or work environments. This can be done under the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also determine if there are any mental health issues that frequently accompany or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who know you well to give feedback.
If a doctor believes the person has the characteristics of ADHD they will go over the options for treatment. The most common treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to control adverse effects, like issues with sleep and loss of appetite, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD to an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC that a backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is an extended time to wait for an essential service. Many people opt to take the route of private assessment because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be considered seriously and they should ask you why you think you have ADHD. You may be asked to take a screening test to determine if your qualified for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted 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 demand for this service is the reason some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you are worried about the amount of time you have to wait for an appointment you may be able to write a letter to your GP detailing what you require. This will help your doctor be aware of the importance and urgency of the test and make sure they act upon your request. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the assessment they will look at your symptoms and investigate any mental health history that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could last between 45 to 90 minutes and be conducted either in person or via video conference.
You could be eligible for medication on the NHS if your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible when your doctor can recommend you for an assessment using 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 waiting time, you can self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not provide a service) or contacting their press offices.