How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
Before your appointment, you will be sent questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment is run smoothly and without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're experiencing restlessness and trouble concentrating or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions then it might be worth consulting with a doctor to determine whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way the brain performs. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other conditions that might be causing your problems and should be considered before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you have been experiencing these symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. Then, they'll determine if you are in compliance with the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also seek input from people who know you and consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily activities.
Psychologists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to determine within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're unsure they'll conduct a thorough mental health exam and review your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD, as well as those that can lead to an undiagnosed case of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, private providers can offer assessments via video calls. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times of each one prior to deciding on one. You can ask your GP or contact the provider directly to learn how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP about the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist If you suspect that you have ADHD. But, it's important to know that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They are able to relay your symptoms and ask for an appointment with an expert in mental health.
When you go for your assessment, you are likely to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. This specialist will interview you about your life and medical history, as well as asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The assessment process is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. They will utilize these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
One of the main challenges for people who have ADHD is getting an diagnosis. additional reading could be due to the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals who belong to certain groups, for instance those who are a person of color, a woman at birth, or not native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis as there is no test that can prove the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the primary cause there are many who are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. This can cause problems in personal and professional relationships as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are unhappy 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 put together an inventory of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. They can include psychosocial support, medication, or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will depend on their individual requirements and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help with co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Someone with ADHD may benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education environments. This can be done with the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD, the specialist will also look at whether there are any other mental health issues, which often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by examining symptom checklists and asking for feedback from individuals who know the person well like family members and friends.
If a specialist believes an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about possible treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and decrease impulsiveness. These can be found in the form of tablets or injections, and can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed for side effects like eating disorders and sleep disturbances that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to manage depression or anxiety.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear, according to the BBC's investigation through FOI requests. This is a significant amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment route and can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to see your GP. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might have ADHD. You may be asked to complete a screening test to determine if you are eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it could be beneficial to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will help your GP understand the importance and urgency of the examination and ensure that they take action upon your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They will also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The assessment can be between 45 to 90 minutes and can be done in person or via video call.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS in the event that your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However it's only possible if you are able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait it is possible to self-refer to a private health 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 on the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide a service) or contacting their press offices.