How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to fill out and your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to control your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way in which the brain performs. But it's important to remember that there are other issues that might be causing your problems and they should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also want to know how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how they impact your life. They will then determine if you fit the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also solicit opinions 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 quickly determine if you are eligible for diagnosis. If they're not sure they'll conduct a comprehensive mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include looking at other conditions that may be co-existent with ADHD and those that could result in the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
However, if you are trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS There are private companies that can provide assessments via video call. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend that you look up the waiting times before you choose one. You can ask your GP or call the provider directly to learn the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to your needs, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's worth checking with your GP to find out what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and you suspect it, you could ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. But, it's important to note that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to a mental health specialist.
When you go for your assessment, you can expect to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The assessment process is based on the guidelines set out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also consider other comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
One of the main challenges for those with ADHD is obtaining a diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition and the lack of awareness among health professionals. In addition, people from certain groups, for instance those who are of colour, assigned female at birth or non-native English speakers, may face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis as there isn't a single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different disorder, like depression or anxiety, even though the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause significant issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied 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 an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These include psychosocial assistance or both. The most appropriate solution for each person will depend on their unique needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing issues like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just examine for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of mental health which often occur alongside or mimic ADHD among 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 that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about possible treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in the form of tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for adverse effects such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss that can be a result of ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to eliminate, according to an investigation by the BBC by submitting FOI requests. This is an extended time to wait for an essential service. Many people opt to go the route of private assessment because they can self-refer and get direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to see your GP. They should consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to complete screening tests to determine if you're qualified to be seen. After your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to an overwhelming demand for this service, and many areas are struggling to keep up with it.
If you are concerned about the amount of time you be waiting for an appointment you may want to write a note to your GP detailing what you require. This will help them to understand the significance of the test and ensure that your request gets acted on. Here you can download a sample of an email from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred to a specialist to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the assessment they'll discuss your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment could last between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video call.
You may be qualified for medication on the NHS when your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be attainable when your doctor can refer you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who will agree to refer you, or you want to avoid the wait time it is possible to self-refer to a private health provider.
Alternatively, adhd assessments can seek help from your local mental health trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not run services) or contacting their press offices.