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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your appointment you will receive pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then review them. This will ensure that your appointment runs smoothly without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're experiencing restlessness and trouble concentrating or find it difficult to manage your emotions then it might be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way the brain works. But it's important to remember that there are other issues that may be causing your issues and should be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you have been suffering from these symptoms, and how they affect your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will also ask for opinions from people 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 tell you fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not sure, they will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment and look at your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and the conditions that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
However, if you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the waiting times of each service before deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or call them directly to find out what their current wait is for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatments following an assessment, so should this be a priority for you, then ensure that they provide this service. Certain providers have agreements to offer this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD or other related disorders, you may inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. It is important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and request a referral to a specialist.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you can expect to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your lifestyle and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The assessment process is based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as when you were a child. They will also take into consideration the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for many. This is due to the stigma that surrounds the condition as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. People belonging to certain groups may also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, like women of color, those born, or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is no test that can prove ADHD. When ADHD is the root cause there are many who are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can cause problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as in daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're not satisfied with the wait time at your local NHS service you can decide to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. These include psychosocial support, medication or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's particular needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD could also benefit from a few adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any other mental health conditions, which frequently accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists, and also by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes the person is a candidate for ADHD, they will discuss the options for treatment. The most popular treatment is stimulants. treatment since they improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat side effects, such as insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to manage underlying depression or anxiety.
GPs must take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients to an assessment and treatment whenever needed. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to clear according to the BBC's investigation, through FOI requests. This is an extended period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people prefer to take the private assessment route since they can self-refer and get direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they should inquire why you think you have ADHD. You might be asked to take a screening test to determine if your eligible to be seen. After your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. how much is an adhd assessment uk is due to an enormous 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 might be beneficial to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will assist them to be aware of the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is acted on. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the evaluation, they'll review your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out any other conditions that might cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video calls.
You could be eligible for medication through the NHS when your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible when your doctor can refer you for an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you do not want to wait for an GP to refer you, or in the event that you don't have one.
You can also seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not provide a service) or by contacting their press offices.
