How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a number of significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Prior to your appointment you will be given questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then review them. This will help to ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
read on and symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentrating, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD may be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way the brain works. It's important to be aware that other conditions could cause problems. These conditions must be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, the specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily life, as well as seeking opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able to tell you fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not certain they'll conduct a comprehensive psychiatric review and examine your other health problems. This will include examining other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD, as well as those that could result in an undiagnosed case of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
However, if you are 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 and we suggest to look over the waiting times prior to you select one. You can either consult your GP or call the provider directly to determine how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, so if this is important to you, then ensure that they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to see what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral If you suspect that you have ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest a referral to a specialist.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you can expect to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They may also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were a child. They will also take into account the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the main challenges for those with ADHD is getting the diagnosis. This is due to the stigma surrounding the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, people from certain groups, such as those who are a person of color, a woman at birth, or are not native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.
There is no test to verify ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with other condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can result in significant issues with personal and professional relationships and also with everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times for your local NHS services You can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The best choice for each individual will depend on their unique requirements and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD might also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to testing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also look at whether there are any mental health issues, which often occur in conjunction with 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 provide feedback.
If a medical professional believes that the patient has the characteristics of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment because they boost concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available as pills or injections and may have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to control negative side effects, including eating disorders and sleep problems that are often associated with ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat depression or anxiety.
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 which could take as long as eight years to get rid of, according to the BBC's investigation, through FOI requests. This is an extremely long period of waiting for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the route of private assessment because they can self-refer and get direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness and they should inquire why you think you have ADHD. You might be asked to complete a screening test to determine if you are qualified to be seen. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England The average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you are concerned about the amount of time you be waiting for an appointment you may be able to write a letter to your GP detailing what you require. This will help your doctor understand the importance and urgency of the test, and ensure that they take action upon your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, you'll be invited to an appointment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the examination they'll discuss your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or by video call.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible for medication through the NHS. However, this will only be possible if you are able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you don't want to wait for an GP to refer you or even if you don't have a GP.
You can also seek help from your local mental health trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that don't offer the service) or contacting them.