How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a number of significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. how much does an adhd assessment cost is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to fill out, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentrating, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD could be the problem. Around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain performs. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other issues that might be causing your problems and they should be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they affect your life. Then, they'll determine if you are in compliance with the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also ask for feedback from those who know you and look at how your symptoms affect your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not certain, they'll do a full mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
However, if you are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can provide assessments via 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 ask your GP or contact the provider directly to determine how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is important to check with your GP to see what the arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have ADHD or other related disorders, you could request your GP to refer you to an assessment. However, it's important to remember that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They can only communicate your symptoms and ask for the referral to a mental health specialist.
When you go for your assessment, you can expect to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. This specialist will interview you about your life and medical history, in addition to asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They may also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is in accordance with the guidelines laid out 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 consider comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. They will apply these criteria to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a challenge for many people. This can be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition and the lack of awareness by health professionals. Additionally, those from certain groups, for instance those who are of colour, assigned female at birth or non-native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test to verify ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different disorder, like depression or anxiety, even though the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as with daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS service you can decide to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial assistance, or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's particular requirements and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD may benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in school or workplace environments. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD, the doctor will also look at whether there are any other mental health issues that frequently accompany or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by looking through the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from individuals who know the person like family members and close friends.
If a specialist believes an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about treatment options. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can be found in tablets or injections, and can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to control adverse effects, like issues with sleep and loss of appetite, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously, and they are legally required to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever required. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to eliminate, according to an investigation by the BBC by submitting FOI requests. This is an extended time to wait for an essential service. Many people choose to go the private assessment route because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. They should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to explain the reasons you think you have ADHD. They might request you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible for an appointment. If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on 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 regions are struggling to keep up with it.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it might be beneficial to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will assist them be aware of the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is followed up upon. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
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 examine any medical history that might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video calls.
You could be eligible for medication on the NHS if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However, this will only be feasible if you're able be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the wait it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
Alternately, you can seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those which do not offer an assessment service) or contacting their press offices.