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. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to fill out, which your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty concentrating, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor about whether ADHD may be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way in which the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that there are other conditions that may be causing your issues and should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They'll also inquire about how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your life. Then, they will determine if you meet the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also seek feedback from those who know you and look at the impact of your symptoms on your daily life.
Psychologists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to determine fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not certain, they'll do a full psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that can coexist with ADHD, as well as the conditions that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety or 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 waiting times of each one prior to deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can call them directly to inquire the current waiting times for an assessment. If what is an adhd assessment is essential to you, be sure they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to determine what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to note that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves - they can only relay your symptoms and ask for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
When you go for your evaluation, you'll be able to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process is based on the guidelines set out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were in your early years. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities like depression and anxiety. They will use these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
One of the main challenges for those suffering from ADHD is getting a diagnosis. This is due to the stigma associated with the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, people from certain groups, for instance people of color, assigned a female at birth or non-native English people, could face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis since there is no test that can establish the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the cause there are many who are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can cause issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. This means that if you're dissatisfied 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 put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the providers.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The most suitable solution for each person will depend on their unique needs and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD could also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational setting. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The specialist will not only assess for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which may often occur alongside or mimic ADHD among adults. This is done by examining symptom checklists and asking for feedback from those who know the person well, such as family members and close friends.
If a specialist believes a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in tablets or injections and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat side effects, such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss that can be a result of ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns regarding ADHD for an assessment and treatment. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as 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 a vital service, which is the reason many individuals opt for the private assessment method which allows them to 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. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain what you think might cause you to be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if you are qualified to be seen. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to an overwhelming demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you're worried about how long you'll need to wait, it may be beneficial to write an email to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will allow your GP to be aware of the importance and urgency of the assessment, and ensure that they take action upon your request. Here you can download an example of a letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. In the course of the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or through a video conference.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However this is only feasible if you're able be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you'd like to cut down the waiting time it is possible to self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
Alternately, you can seek help from your local mental health trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that do not run the service) or contacting them.