How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your appointment you will be given questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or find it difficult to control your emotions, then it may be worth consulting with a doctor to determine whether ADHD could be the reason. About cheap adhd assessment uk in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain performs. It is important to remember that other conditions could be causing you problems. These conditions must be considered prior to when you are 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 experienced the symptoms and how they impact your daily 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 also consider how your symptoms impact your daily life as well as requesting input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they'll be able to quickly determine if you are eligible for diagnosis. If they're not certain they'll conduct a comprehensive mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include a look at other conditions which can coexist with ADHD as well as the conditions that can cause the wrong diagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
However, if you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private firms that provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times of each one prior to deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP or call the service directly to determine the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatments following an assessment, therefore If this is important to you then make sure that they do offer this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP about the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may have ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD They can only report symptoms and request a referral to a specialist.
When you go for your assessment, you are likely to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They may also ask you to fill out questionnaires and 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 a child. They will also take into account the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. They will apply these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for those suffering from ADHD is getting the diagnosis. This can be because of the stigma surrounding the condition, and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals who belong to certain groups, like 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 can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis since there is no test that can prove the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the primary cause many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can result in significant issues in personal and professional relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times for your local NHS services you can opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid or both. The most suitable option for each individual will depend on their individual requirements and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can help with any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just assess for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which can often occur alongside or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by examining symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from individuals who know the person well like family members and friends.
If a medical professional believes that the person has the characteristics of ADHD They will then discuss the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment since they improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They can be found in the form of tablets or injections, and can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to manage side effects, such as sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes related to ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever required. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to get rid of according to the BBC's investigation, through FOI requests. This is a significant amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many individuals opt for the private assessment method, where they can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness, and they'll ask you why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to take an assessment test to determine if you are eligible to be seen. Once your GP has agreed 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. The high demand for this service is the reason some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about how long you'll need to wait, it could be helpful to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your doctor understand the importance and urgency of the test and ensure that they take action upon your request. Here you can download a sample of a letter from ADHD UK.
After you've been recommended for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the evaluation they'll discuss your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out other medical conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video calls.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS if your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible in the event that your GP is able to refer you to an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is a possibility if do not want to wait for an GP to refer you, or in the event that you don't have one.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can determine 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 by contacting them.