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 unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your consultation you will be given questions for screening that you need to answer. Your psychiatrist will then review them. This will ensure that your appointment runs smoothly without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or you are having trouble to manage your emotions, then it might be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects how the brain operates. It's important to keep in mind that other conditions may cause problems. These should be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They will also ask you how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they affect your life. Then, they will determine if you are in compliance with the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also solicit opinions from people who know you and consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they'll be able to tell fairly quickly whether you are eligible for diagnosis. If they're unsure they'll conduct a thorough psychiatric review and examine your other health problems. This includes looking at other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD and those that can lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private providers who can provide assessments via 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 inquire with your GP or call the provider directly to learn the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP to refer you to a specialist If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and request for a referral to an expert.
If you are scheduled for an evaluation, you'll be able to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines established 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 the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD is a difficult task for many. This could be due to the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, people who belong to certain groups, such as those who are of color, assigned a female at birth, or not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test that can prove ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. If you are dissatisfied with the waiting times at your local NHS services you can opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These include psychosocial support, or both. The most appropriate solution for each person will depend on their individual needs and situation. Medicines can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial therapy can address any coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Someone with ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in school or workplace settings. This can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which can often occur alongside or mimic ADHD among adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If the specialist believes that an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over possible treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. These are available as tablets or injections, and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for side effects such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss which are often associated with ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to eliminate, according to the BBC's investigation, through FOI requests. This is an extremely long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people choose to take the private assessment route since they can self-refer and get direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you about why you think you might have ADHD. They may also ask you to fill out a screening tool to see whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP accepts to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to the an enormous demand for this service, and many regions are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you're worried about how long you'll need to wait, it could be helpful to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will allow your GP to understand the importance and urgency of the test, and ensure that they act on your request. Here you can download an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be referred to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and examine any medical history that might be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video calls.
If I Am Psychiatry refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. This will only be possible if your GP can recommend you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those which do not offer an assessment service) or by contacting their press offices.