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.
Before your appointment, you will be sent questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then review them. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain operates. It is essential to be aware that other conditions could be causing you problems. These should be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, the specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they affect your life. Then, they'll determine if you are in compliance with the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (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 have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to tell you fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they are not sure, they will carry out an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD and also those which can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
However, if you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can offer assessments through a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the wait times for each one prior to deciding on one. You can either consult your GP or call the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting 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. Some providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you can expect to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The assessment process is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for a lot of people. This could be because of the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness by health professionals. People belonging to certain groups may be discriminated against if they seek treatment for their symptoms, like people of color, women born at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. If ADHD is the primary cause there are many who are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can cause significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as with everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the waiting times at your local NHS services, you can choose to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about timeframes for waiting, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid or both. The best choice for each individual will be based on their specific needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing issues like anxiety or depression.
Someone with ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education settings. This can be done with the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also determine if there are any other mental health issues, which frequently accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists, and also by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a specialist believes that the patient has the characteristics of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most common treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They can be found in the form of tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to control adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss that are often related to ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if required. However, how much is an adhd assessment uk has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to get rid of according to the BBC's investigation, by submitting FOI requests. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many individuals opt for the private assessment route, where they can be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be considered seriously, and they should inquire what you think you might have ADHD. You might be asked to complete screening tests to determine if you're qualified for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting to be assessed you may be able to write a letter to your GP explaining what you need. This will allow them comprehend the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted upon. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
After you've been recommended for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an appointment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the examination they'll look at your symptoms and look over your mental health history to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They will also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment could last between 45 to 90 minutes and be conducted either in person or via video conference.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS in the event that your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However it's only possible if you're able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you don't want to wait around for an GP to refer you, or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek help from your local mental health trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide services) or by contacting their press offices.