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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 not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to complete and your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentration, restlessness or managing your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor to determine if ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain works. It's important to remember that other conditions may cause problems. These conditions must be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also want to know how long you have been suffering from these symptoms, and how they impact your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is also known as the DSM-5. They will consider how your symptoms impact your daily functioning, as well as seeking input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they will be able to tell fairly quickly whether you're eligible for an assessment. If they're not sure they'll take a full psychiatric history and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions which can be associated with ADHD and also those which can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
However, if you are trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private providers who can offer assessments through a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times of each provider before choosing one. You can ask your GP about this, or you can call them directly to inquire what their current wait time is for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment so should this be a priority for you, then ensure that they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's worth checking with your GP to find out what arrangements are available for your region.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral in the event that you think you have ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest for a referral to a specialist.
When assessment adhd attend your assessment, you can expect to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your life and medical history, in addition to asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. They might also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities like depression and anxiety. They will use these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for those with ADHD is getting a diagnosis. This is because of the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of understanding by health professionals. People from certain groups can be subject to discrimination when they seek help for their symptoms, such as people of color, women born at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis because there is no test that can prove the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the cause, many people are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. This can cause significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the waiting times at your local NHS services You can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These include medication, psychosocial aid or both. The best option will depend on the individual's particular requirements and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can help with co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD might also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD, the specialist will also examine whether there are any comorbid mental health issues that often accompany or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who know you well to give feedback.
If a specialist believes the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss possible treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for adverse effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite that can be a result of ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs should take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients to an assessment and treatment when required. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to eliminate, according to an investigation by the BBC by submitting FOI requests. This is an extremely long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route since they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they'll ask you why you think you be suffering from ADHD. They may also ask you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. If your GP accepts to refer you, you will 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 the service, and many regions are struggling to keep up with it.
If you are concerned about the length of time you will have to wait for an appointment, you might want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will allow them to understand the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted on. Here you can download a sample of the letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and look into any medical history that might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could take between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be done in person or via video calls.
You could be qualified for medication on the NHS when your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be attainable when your doctor can refer you to an assessment using 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 assistance from your local mental trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by looking up their websites (except for those that don't offer the service) or contacting them.
