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 unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to complete and your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions, then you should consider seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects how the brain operates. It's important to keep in mind that other conditions could cause problems. These need to be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they impact your life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also solicit opinions from people who know you and consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily life.
Psychologists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able to tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not sure they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as examine your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD, as well as the conditions that could lead to an undiagnosed case of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private firms that provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the waiting times for each provider before choosing one. You can consult your GP or contact the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment therefore if this is important to you, then ensure that they offer this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to find out what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD and you suspect it, you may inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. But, it's important to know that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves. They are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for the referral to a mental health specialist.
You can expect to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your life and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The assessment process is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. They will apply these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for a lot of people. This is due to the stigma that surrounds the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals belonging to certain groups, such as those who are of color, assigned a female at birth, or are not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking treatment to treat their symptoms.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis because there is no single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a other condition, such as depression or anxiety, even though the root cause is ADHD. This can cause significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as in daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're not satisfied with the wait time at your local NHS service you can opt to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. get assessed for adhd 've compiled a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, contact the providers.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for people with ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial assistance, or both. The best option will depend on the individual's unique requirements and circumstances. Medicines can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can help with any coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD might also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or in educational settings. This is done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only examine for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of mental health which may often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If a specialist believes a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment because they boost concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. These are available as tablets or injections, and can be used for both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to manage adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss that are often associated with ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to manage underlying depression or anxiety.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when required. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to get rid of according to an investigation by the BBC using FOI requests. This is an extended period of waiting for an essential service. Many people prefer to take the private assessment route since they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they should inquire why you believe you may have ADHD. They may also ask you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is because there is an enormous demand for this service, and many areas are struggling to keep up with it.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it may be beneficial to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your doctor be aware of the importance and urgency of the examination, and ensure that they act on your request. Here is an example of an email from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the examination they'll look at your symptoms and review your mental health background to rule out other conditions that might be causing your ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference.
You could be eligible for medication on the NHS in the event that your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be attainable in the event that your GP is able to refer you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you do not want to wait for an GP to refer you or if you don’t have one.
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 run an assessment service) or by contacting their press offices.