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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.
Before your consultation you will be given pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you are having trouble concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD could be the problem. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that other conditions could be causing you problems. These need to be considered prior to when 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 been experiencing the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, called the DSM-5. They will also seek feedback from those who know you, and will consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they will be able to determine quickly if you meet the criteria for an assessment. If they're unsure they'll conduct a comprehensive mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include looking at other conditions that may coexist with ADHD, as well as those that can lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS, private providers can provide assessments through video calls. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend that you check out the waiting times prior to you decide on one. You can consult your GP about this, or you can call them directly to inquire what their current wait is for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, so If this is important to you, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD and you suspect it, you could inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. It is important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest for a referral to an expert.
You can expect to be assessed by psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms affect your life. You might be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were a child. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities like anxiety and depression. They will use these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for those with ADHD is getting the diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among health professionals. People belonging to certain groups may be discriminated against if they seek treatment for their symptoms, like women of color, people of color born at birth, or non-native English speaking people.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis since there is no single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the root cause there are many who are mistakenly diagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can lead to significant issues with personal and professional relationships and also with everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times for your local NHS services You can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for people with ADHD. These include psychosocial therapy, medication or both. The most suitable solution for each person will depend on their individual requirements and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD can benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education environments. This is done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done by looking through symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from individuals who know the person like family members and friends.
If a specialist believes that the person is a candidate for ADHD, they will discuss the options for treatment. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. They are available as tablets or injections, and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to manage negative side effects, including eating disorders and sleep problems that are often associated with ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to treat depression or anxiety.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever required. According to the BBC that a backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is an extended time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route because 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 treated with seriousness, and they should ask you why you believe you may have ADHD. They may request you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to a high demand for this service, and many areas are struggling to keep up with it.
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 assist them understand the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request is followed up on. Here is an example of an email from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. During the examination, they'll look at your symptoms and investigate any mental health history that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video call.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However it's only possible if you're able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't 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 healthcare provider.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. adhd assessment cheap can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that do not offer the service) or by contacting them.
