How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Prior to your appointment you will be given questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will ensure that your appointment runs smoothly without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are having trouble concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor to determine if ADHD may be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way in which the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that there are other issues that might be causing your problems and they should be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also ask you how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will also ask for feedback from those who know you, and will consider how your symptoms impact your daily life.
how to get a adhd assessment uk are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they'll be able quickly determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. If they're not sure they'll conduct an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD as well as the conditions that can cause an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
However, if you are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private companies that can provide assessments via a video call. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you look up the waiting time before you choose one. You can either inquire with your GP or call the provider directly to find out the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to find out what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD and you suspect it, you can ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. But, it's important to note that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves - they can only provide information about your symptoms and request for an appointment with an expert in mental health.
When you attend your evaluation, you'll be able to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your life and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also look at other comorbidities like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD is a difficult task for many people. This can be because of the stigma surrounding the condition and a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals who belong to certain groups, such as people of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English people, could face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test that can confirm ADHD. If ADHD is the cause many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can lead to significant issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS services, you can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about waiting times, you should contact the providers.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These can include psychosocial therapy, medication, or both. The most appropriate choice for each individual will depend on their unique needs and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any comorbid mental health conditions, which often accompany or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If a medical professional believes that the patient has the characteristics of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to manage negative side effects, including issues with sleep and loss of appetite that are often associated with ADHD. what is an adhd assessment may benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to manage underlying depression or anxiety.
GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if needed. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to get rid of according to an investigation by the BBC through FOI requests. This is an extremely long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people choose to go the route of private assessment because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you about the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to take an assessment test to determine if your qualified for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll put you on 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 the service, and many regions are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it could be beneficial to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. how to get a adhd assessment uk will assist them to be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted upon. Here you can download an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will schedule an assessment. In the course of the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The test will typically last 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 may be eligible for medication through the NHS. However it's only possible if you are able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the wait and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek help 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 do not run the service) or by contacting them.