How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to fill out and your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty concentrating, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is worth consulting a doctor about whether ADHD could be the problem. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way the brain functions. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other issues that might be causing your problems, and these need to be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your 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 consider how your symptoms interfere with your daily functioning, as well as seeking input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able tell you fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not sure they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions which can coexist with ADHD as well as those which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment through 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 to look over the waiting times before you decide on one. You can either ask your GP or call the service directly to determine the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is important to your needs, make sure they provide this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you could request your GP to refer you for an assessment. However, it's important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD by themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to a mental health specialist.
You can expect to be evaluated by psychiatrists. This specialist will interview you about your life and medical history, as well as asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. They might also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as when you were a child. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. They will use these criteria to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
One of the main challenges for those with ADHD is obtaining the diagnosis. This is due to the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals from certain groups, such as those who are of color, a woman at birth, or are not native English speakers, may face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis as there is no single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with other condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can result in significant issues in personal and professional relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers a 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 choose to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for people with ADHD. These include psychosocial therapy, medication, or both. The most suitable choice for each individual will depend on their unique needs and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve performance, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in school or workplace settings. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to testing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any comorbid mental health issues that often accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This is done by looking through symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from individuals who know the person well like family members and close friends.
If a doctor believes the patient meets the criteria of ADHD, they will discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment since they improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness. These are available as tablets or injections and can have both short and long-term effects.
adhd assessment uk online may be prescribed to treat adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss that are often associated with ADHD. Certain people may benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage underlying anxiety or depression.
GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if needed. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear, according to an investigation by the BBC using FOI requests. This is an extended time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be taken seriously and they should ask you what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete screening tests to determine if your qualified for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you are worried about the amount of time you have to wait for an assessment You may want to write a note to your GP explaining what you need. This will allow them comprehend the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted on. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test can be between 45 and 90 minutes, and be conducted either in person or via video call.
You could be eligible for medication through the NHS in the event that your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible in the event that your GP is able to recommend you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you want to avoid the wait it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
Alternatively, you can seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those which do not offer a service) or contacting their press offices.