How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Prior to your appointment, you will be sent questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with restlessness and trouble concentrating or find it difficult to control your emotions, then it might be worth consulting with a doctor to determine whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain works. It is essential to remember that other conditions could be causing you problems. These should be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you undergo an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire about how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also solicit feedback from those who know you and consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able quickly determine if you are eligible for diagnosis. If they are not sure they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that may coexist with ADHD, as well as those that could result in a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
However, if you are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private companies that can provide assessments via video call. psychiatrist adhd assessment can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you look up the waiting times prior to you select one. You can ask your GP or contact the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, therefore should this be a priority for you, make sure they do offer this service. Certain providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. It's important to keep in mind that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and ask a referral to a specialist.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you are likely to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The assessment process is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as when you were a child. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities like anxiety and depression. They will apply these criteria to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for a lot of people. This is because of the stigma associated with the condition as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Additionally, those from certain groups, such as those who are a person of color, assigned a female at birth, or not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis because there is no single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the primary cause there are many who are mistakenly diagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can result in significant issues with professional and personal relationships as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS services, you can choose to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out about wait times, contact the service providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. They include medication, psychosocial aid or both. The best option for each individual will depend on their individual requirements and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can help with co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also look at whether there are any comorbid mental health issues that frequently accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment since they improve concentration and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in tablets or injections, and they can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat side effects, such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss which are often associated with ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally obliged to refer patients to an assessment and treatment when needed. However, the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to eliminate according to the BBC's investigation by submitting FOI requests. This is a long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people opt to go the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to visit your GP. They'll be attentive to your concerns and ask you about why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They may also ask you to complete an assessment tool to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to an overwhelming demand for the service and many areas are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you're worried about how long you'll need to wait, it could be beneficial to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will help them to comprehend the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request is followed up on. Here you can download a sample of a letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. In the course of the assessment, they'll 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 can be between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be done in person or via video calls.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. This will only be possible if your GP can recommend you for an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the waiting time, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by searching their websites (except for those that do not run the service) or contacting them.