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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete and your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you are having trouble concentration, restlessness or managing your emotions, it is worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD could be the problem. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects how the brain operates. It is important to keep in mind that there are other conditions that could be causing your difficulties and they should be considered before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they affect your life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will also solicit input from people who know you and look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able tell fairly quickly whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. If they're not sure, they'll do a full psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other illnesses that can be associated with ADHD and also those which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment from 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 choose one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can contact directly to find out what their current wait is for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, therefore should this be a priority for you, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's important to check with your GP to find out what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, you may ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. It is important to know that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They are able to provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to an expert in mental health.
You can expect to be assessed by psychiatrists. This specialist will interview you about your life and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you as in your early years. They will also take into account the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for people who have ADHD is getting an diagnosis. This could be because of the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of understanding by healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may be subject to discrimination when they seek help for their symptoms, for example, women of color, those born, or non-native English speaking people.
There is no test to prove ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root cause is ADHD. This can result in significant issues with personal and professional relationships, as well as with everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS services, you can choose 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 inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include psychosocial assistance or both. The most appropriate solution for each person will depend on their unique needs and situation. Medicines can ease symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial support can help with any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education environments. This can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also determine if there are any other mental health issues, which frequently accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This is done by examining the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from those who know the person well like family members and friends.
If a doctor believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They are available in tablets or injections, and can be used for both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat side effects, such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to manage depression or anxiety.
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 clear according to the BBC's investigation, using FOI requests. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is why many people choose the private assessment option, where they can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you about why you think you might have ADHD. They might request you to complete screening tools to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
In England, the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to the an overwhelming demand for the service and many areas are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it may be helpful to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your doctor recognize the importance and urgency of the examination and make sure they take action on your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a specialist to a specialist, you'll be referred to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. In the course of the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about 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 conference.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However it's only possible if you are able to receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who is willing to refer you, or you'd like to cut down the wait time, you can self-refer to a private health provider.
how to get assessed for adhd can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those which do not offer services) or contacting their press offices.
