How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a lot of differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to fill out and your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
what is an adhd assessment
If you are having trouble concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD may be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way in which the brain operates. It is essential to remember that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These conditions must be taken into consideration 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'll also ask how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they impact your life. Then, they'll determine if you meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities, as well as seeking opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to tell you fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not sure, they will carry out an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as examine your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that could be co-existent with ADHD and those that could result in the wrong diagnosis of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
However, if you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private firms that provide assessments via a video call. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend to look over the waiting times prior to you select one. You can consult your GP or call the provider directly to learn the time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, therefore should this be a priority for you, then ensure that they offer this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's important to check with your GP to determine what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to a specialist.
When you attend your assessment, you can expect to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The specialist will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also ask you to fill out 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 take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also consider other comorbidities like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many people. This could be due to the stigma associated with the condition as well as an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. People from certain groups can also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, for example, people of color, women born at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis as there is no single test that can prove the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with other condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the root cause is ADHD. This can lead to significant issues with personal and professional relationships and also with day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS service, you can choose to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. They can include medication, psychosocial support or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's unique requirements and situation. While medications can alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD may benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education settings. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
In addition to testing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also determine if there are any other mental health conditions, which often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by looking through symptom checklists and asking for feedback from those who know the person well like family members and friends.
If a doctor believes that the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and reduce impulsiveness. They are available as tablets or injections and can be used for both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for side effects such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss that can be a result of ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever 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 through FOI requests. This is a long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people opt to take the private assessment route since they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment on NHS. They'll consider your concerns seriously and ask what you think might cause you to have ADHD. You might be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if you are eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England The average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is because there is a high demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it might be helpful to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will help them to be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request gets acted upon. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and look into any medical history that might be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or through a video conference.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. This will only be attainable when your doctor can recommend you for an assessment 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 wait time it is possible to self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
Alternatively, you can seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not run services) or by contacting their press offices.