How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to complete and your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or find it difficult to control your emotions, then you should consider seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way in which the brain performs. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other issues that may be causing your issues, and these need to be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you undergo 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'll then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning, as well as seeking feedback from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able tell you in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they're unsure they'll conduct a comprehensive psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that could be co-existent with ADHD, as well as those that can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
If you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private firms that provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the waiting times of each provider before choosing one. You can either ask your GP or contact the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatments following an assessment, so If this is important to you then make sure that they offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worth checking with your GP to see what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you could inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. It's important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert.
If you are scheduled for an evaluation, you'll be able to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. assessed for adhd will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You might be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The assessment process is based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also look at comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many people. This is because of the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of awareness by healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may be subject to discrimination when they seek treatment for their symptoms, for example, women of color, people of color born at birth or non-native English speaking individuals.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis as there isn't a single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the root cause many people are mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can lead to significant issues in both 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 visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These can include psychosocial support, medication or both. The best option will depend on the individual's specific needs and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or in educational settings. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just examine for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This is accomplished by reviewing symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from people who know the person, such as family members and close friends.
If a specialist believes the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over possible treatment options. The most commonly used treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and reduce impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat side effects, such as eating disorders and sleep problems, which are sometimes related to ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs should take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if needed. According to the BBC that a backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a significant amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is why many people choose the private assessment option and can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. They'll be attentive to your concerns and ask the reasons you think you have ADHD. You might be asked to take screening tests to determine if you're qualified to be seen. After your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In England The average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is because there is an overwhelming demand for the service and many areas are struggling to keep pace with it.
If you're worried about how long you'll need to wait, it may be helpful to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will allow them be aware of the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request is acted on. Here you can download a sample of an email from ADHD UK.
After click to find out more 've been recommended to a specialist, you'll be referred to an appointment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the examination they'll look at your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other conditions that might be causing your ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video call.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However, this will only be feasible if you're able be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the waiting time and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private health provider.
Alternatively, you can seek help 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 that do not run a service) or by contacting their press offices.