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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to fill out that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will help to ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's recommended to consult a physician to determine if ADHD could be the problem. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way in which the brain operates. But it's important to remember that there are other issues that may be causing your issues and they should be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, the specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been suffering from these symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. Then, they'll determine if you meet the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also ask for feedback from those who know you and look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able to tell fairly quickly whether you meet the criteria for diagnosis. If they are not sure, they will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This will include a look at other conditions which can be associated with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to offer assessments via video calls. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. adhd diagnosis assessment recommend that you check the wait times for each one prior to deciding on one. You can ask your GP about this, or contact them directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatments following an assessment, so If this is important to you, then ensure that they provide this service. Certain providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD and you suspect it, you may inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. However, it's important to remember that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to provide information about your symptoms and request for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
If you are scheduled for an evaluation, you'll be able to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The assessment process is based on the guidelines set out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as when you were a child. They will also take into account other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many people. This can be due to the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of understanding by health professionals. People belonging to certain groups may be subject to discrimination when they seek treatment for their symptoms, such as people of color, women assigned at birth or non-native English speaking people.
There is no test to confirm ADHD. If ADHD is the root cause, many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can cause significant problems in personal and professional relationships as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're not satisfied with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can opt to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled a list of providers who 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 people with ADHD. These include psychosocial therapy, medication, or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education environments. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to testing for ADHD, the specialist will also look at whether there are any other mental health issues that often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists, and by asking people who know you well to provide feedback.
If a specialist believes that the person has the characteristics of ADHD, they will discuss the treatment options. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness. These can be found in tablets or injections, and can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss that are often related to ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial treatments like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to treat depression or anxiety.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to eliminate according to the BBC's investigation, by submitting FOI requests. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment option 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 should take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain the reasons you think you have ADHD. You may be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if your qualified for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll add you to 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 struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it may be helpful to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will allow them to be aware of the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is followed up on. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be referred to an appointment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the evaluation they'll look at your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out other conditions that might cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could last 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 get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you'd like to cut down the waiting time it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide a service) or by contacting their press offices.