How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to complete, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is run smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you have difficulty concentration, restlessness or managing your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor about whether ADHD may be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way that the brain functions. It's important to keep in mind that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These need to be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been suffering from these symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms interfere with your daily activities as well as requesting opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able to tell fairly quickly whether you are eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not certain, they'll do a full mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include a look at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause a misdiagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers can offer assessments via video calls. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend that you check out the waiting time before you choose one. You can inquire with your GP or contact the provider directly to find out 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 provide this service. Certain providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you think you be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to know that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves - they can only communicate your symptoms and ask for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
You can anticipate to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They may also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you as in your early years. They will also consider other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for a lot of people. This could be because of the stigma associated with the condition as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, people who belong to certain groups, like people of color, a woman at birth or non-native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test to verify ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a other condition, such as depression or anxiety, even though the underlying problem is ADHD. This can lead to significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied 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 have put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the waiting times, you should contact the service providers.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These can include psychosocial support, medication, or both. The best solution for each person will depend on their unique needs and situation. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial therapy can address any coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Someone with ADHD could also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in school or workplace settings. This can be done under the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD, the doctor will also look at whether there are any mental health issues, which often occur in conjunction with or are similar to ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by looking through the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from those who know the person well, such as family members and friends.
If a doctor believes the patient meets the criteria of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available as tablets or injections, and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to manage negative side effects, including eating disorders and sleep problems that are often related to ADHD. Some people can 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 with concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However get assessed for adhd has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear according to the BBC's investigation, using FOI requests. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment option, where they can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be taken seriously and they should inquire why you think you have ADHD. They might request you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
In England, the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason why some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting for an assessment, you might be able to write a letter to your GP detailing what you require. This will help them understand the importance of the examination and ensure that your request gets acted on. Here is an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out any other conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could last between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference.
You could be eligible for medication on the NHS when your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However, this will only be feasible if you're able receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you'd prefer to avoid the waiting time it is possible to self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not provide a service) or by contacting their press offices.