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.
Prior to your appointment you will be given questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentrating, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor to determine if ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way in which the brain functions. It is important to be aware that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These conditions must be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. Then, they'll determine if you meet the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also solicit input from people who know you and consider how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able to determine in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they're not certain they'll conduct a thorough psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health problems. This includes looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD as well as the conditions that can cause the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
However, if you are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private firms that provide assessments via a video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend that you look up the waiting times prior to you select one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can call them directly to find out what their current wait time is for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, so If this is important to you, then ensure that they do offer this service. Certain providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP for a referral If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and request a referral to a specialist.
When you go for your assessment, you can expect to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your life and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were a child. adhd online assessment will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. They will apply these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
One of the main challenges for those suffering from ADHD is getting the diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. People belonging to certain groups may also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, like women of color, those born, or non-native English speaking individuals.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis since there isn't a single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the cause there are many who are mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can cause significant problems with personal and professional relationships as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are unhappy with the wait times for your local NHS services You can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about timeframes for waiting, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These can include psychosocial therapy, medication or both. The most appropriate solution for each person will depend on their individual requirements and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can help with any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD could benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in educational or work settings. This can be done under the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD, the doctor will also examine whether there are any comorbid mental health conditions, which often accompany or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This is done by reviewing symptom checklists and asking for feedback from individuals who know the person like family members and close friends.
If a specialist believes that the person meets the criteria of ADHD they will go over the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed for side effects like sleep disturbances and appetite loss that can be a result of ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns regarding ADHD for an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is a long time to wait for an essential service. Many people opt to take the private assessment route because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and ask you about why you think you might have ADHD. You might be asked to take screening tests to determine if you're qualified to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The 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 might be helpful to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will allow them to understand the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is acted upon. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the examination, they'll look at your symptoms and investigate any medical history that might be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The test can be between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be done in person or by video conference.
You may be qualified for medication on the NHS if your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However, this will only be possible if you are able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you'd like to cut down the wait time it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by looking up their websites (except for those that don't provide the service) or contacting them.