How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before your appointment you will receive questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then review them. This will ensure that your appointment is run smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're experiencing restlessness and trouble concentrating or you are having trouble to manage your emotions, then it may be worth consulting with a doctor to determine whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects how the brain performs. It is essential to keep in mind that other conditions could cause problems. These should be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also inquire about how long you have been experiencing these symptoms, and how they impact your life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will look at the ways in which your symptoms affect your daily functioning and also seek input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they will be able to determine quickly if you are eligible for an assessment. If they're not sure they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD and the conditions that could lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
If you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the waiting times for each service before deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or call them directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, make sure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements to offer this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP about the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP to refer you to a specialist If you suspect that you have ADHD. But, it's important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for a referral to a mental health specialist.
When you attend your evaluation, you'll be able to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as a child. They will also look at the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for many. This is due to the stigma surrounding the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. People belonging to certain groups may also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, for example, women of color, those assigned at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is Iam Psychiatry to confirm ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different condition, such as anxiety or depression, when the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause significant problems with professional and personal relationships as well as day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. This means that if you're unhappy with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can decide to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These can include psychosocial therapy, medication or both. The best choice for each individual will depend on their individual requirements and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can help with co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Someone with ADHD could also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education settings. This is done under the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done by reviewing symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from individuals who know the person like family members and friends.
If a doctor believes the patient is a candidate for ADHD, they will discuss the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and reduce impulsiveness. These are available as tablets or injections, and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed for side effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients to an assessment and treatment whenever needed. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to eliminate according to the BBC's investigation, through FOI requests. This is a long amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment option and can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they'll ask you what you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They may request you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. After your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is because there is an enormous demand for this service, and many areas are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you are concerned about the length of time you will have to wait to be assessed, you might be able to write a letter to your GP explaining what you need. This will allow them to comprehend the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request gets acted upon. Here you can download an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred to a specialist to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could last between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video conference.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. This is only possible in the event that your GP is able to recommend you for an assessment via 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, you can self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by searching their websites (except for those that don't provide the service) or contacting them.