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.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires 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.
Symptoms
If you have difficulty concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor about whether ADHD could be the problem. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental condition 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 taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also inquire about how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how they impact your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will also consider how your symptoms interfere with your daily activities and also seek opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able to determine quickly if you are eligible for a diagnosis. If they are not sure, they will carry out a full psychiatric history and look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other illnesses that can be associated with ADHD and also those which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers are able to provide assessments through video calls. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend to look over the waiting times before you choose one. You can consult your GP or contact the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to your needs, make sure that they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to determine what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD or other related disorders, you could request your GP to refer you to an assessment. It is important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to provide information about your symptoms and request for a referral to an expert in mental health.
When you attend your evaluation, you'll be able to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect 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 in your early years. They will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for people who have ADHD is obtaining a diagnosis. This is due to the stigma surrounding the condition, and a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. People belonging to certain groups may be discriminated against if they seek help for their symptoms, for example, people of color, women assigned at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis because there isn't a single test that can prove the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root cause is ADHD. This can cause significant problems with personal and professional relationships, as well as with day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. This means that if you're unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS service you can decide to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about timeframes for waiting, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The most suitable option for each individual will depend on their unique needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can help with any co-existing issues like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD can also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education settings. This can be done with the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of mental health which may often accompany or mimic ADHD among adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a specialist believes a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over possible treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in tablets or injections, and can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for adverse effects such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that are sometimes associated ADHD. psychiatrist adhd assessment may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is why many opt for the private assessment method, where they can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be considered seriously and they should inquire what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They might also ask you to fill out screening tools to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be added to the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it could be helpful to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will help them to be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request is followed up on. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a specialist for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video call.
You may be qualified for medication on the NHS if 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 do not have a GP who will agree to refer you, or you want to avoid the waiting time and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private health provider.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that do not offer the service) or contacting them.