How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
Prior to your appointment, you will be sent questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
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If you are struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions then it may be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way the brain operates. It is important to keep in mind that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These need to be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM-5. They will also solicit opinions from people who know you, and will consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able tell you in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they're not certain they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as examine your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that can coexist with ADHD, as well as the conditions that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can provide assessments via video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend to look over the waiting time before you select one. You can ask your GP or call the provider directly to find out how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's worth checking with your GP to determine what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD or other related disorders, you may request your GP to refer you to an assessment. It's important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and suggest a referral to an expert.
You can anticipate to be evaluated by psychiatrist. The specialist will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were in your early years. They will also consider other comorbidities like depression and anxiety. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD is a difficult task for many people. This is due to the stigma surrounding the condition and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may be discriminated against if they seek help for their symptoms, for example, women of color, people of color born at birth, or non-native English speaking people.
There is no test to prove ADHD. If ADHD is the cause many people are mistakenly diagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can result in significant issues with personal and professional relationships as well as daily 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 choose to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled an inventory of the 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 for those suffering from ADHD. They can include medication, psychosocial support or both. The best option will depend on the individual's particular requirements and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing issues like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or educational setting. This can be done with the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to testing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any comorbid mental health issues, which frequently accompany or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists, and also by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If a specialist believes a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over the 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 have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat side effects such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that can be a result of ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients to an assessment and treatment when needed. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is a long amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is why many individuals opt for the private assessment method and can be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be considered seriously and they'll ask you why you think you be suffering from ADHD. They might also ask you to fill out screening tools to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, 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 due to the a high demand for the service and many areas are struggling to keep pace with it.
If you're worried about the length of time you will have to wait to be assessed you may consider writing a letter to your GP detailing what you require. This will help your doctor understand the importance and urgency of the examination, and ensure that they act on your request. Here is an example of a letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred, you'll be invited to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the evaluation they'll discuss your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or by video call.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible for medication through the NHS. However it's only feasible if you're able get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who will agree 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 out which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that don't run the service) or contacting them.