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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to complete, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you are having trouble staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor to determine if ADHD may be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way in which the brain functions. It's important to keep in mind that other conditions may be causing you problems. These need to be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, the specialist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they affect your life. They will then determine if you fit the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also seek input from people who know you and look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to tell you in a short time if you meet the criteria. If they're not certain they'll conduct a comprehensive psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include looking at other illnesses that can be associated with ADHD as well as those which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS, private providers can offer assessments via video calls. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest to look over the waiting times prior to you select one. You can either consult your GP or contact the provider directly to find out how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatments following an assessment, so if this is important to you then make sure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, you may inquire with your GP to refer you to an assessment. But, it's important to remember that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for a referral to a mental health specialist.
If explanation are scheduled for an assessment, you are likely to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The doctor will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The process of assessment is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were an infant. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a struggle for many people. This can be due to 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 help for their symptoms, like women of color, those born at birth or non-native English speaking people.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis since there is no test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root of the issue is ADHD. This can lead to significant issues with personal and professional relationships and also with day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. 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 have compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial assistance or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's unique requirements and situation. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a few adjustments to their environment, for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to testing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also determine if there are any other mental health conditions, which frequently accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes the patient is a candidate for ADHD they will go over the treatment options. The most popular treatment is stimulants. treatment, as they increase concentration and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. These can be found in the form of tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to manage adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs must take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever needed. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to eliminate, according to an investigation by the BBC by submitting FOI requests. This is a long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people prefer to take the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain what you think might cause you to have ADHD. You might be asked to take an assessment test to determine if you're eligible to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you are concerned about the length of time you will be waiting to be assessed, you might be able to write a letter to your GP detailing what you require. This will help your doctor understand the importance and urgency of the test and ensure that they act upon your request. Here is a sample of an email from ADHD UK.
After you've been recommended for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. In the course of the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The assessment could last between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video conference.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. This will only be attainable in the event that your GP is able to refer you to an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you'd like to cut down the wait time it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer a service) or contacting their press offices.
