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 unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your appointment, you will be sent pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're having difficulty staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor to determine if ADHD may be the cause. 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 there are other issues that may be causing your issues, and these need to be considered before you are able to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. cost of adhd assessment 'll also ask how long you have been experiencing these symptoms, and how they impact your life. Then, they will determine if you meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also seek feedback from those who know you, and will consider how your symptoms affect your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able to determine fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're unsure, they'll do a full psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD and those that can lead to an undiagnosed case of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to offer assessments via video calls. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest to look over the waiting times prior to you decide on one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can contact them directly to find out what their current wait is for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatments following an assessment, therefore should this be a priority for you, then ensure that they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP about the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, you may inquire with your GP to refer you to an assessment. It's important to keep in mind that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to a specialist.
You can anticipate to be evaluated by psychiatrists. The specialist will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based upon the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also take into account other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. They will use these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of understanding by health professionals. Additionally, those who belong to certain groups, for instance those who are of colour, assigned female at birth or non-native English speakers, can face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test to prove ADHD. If ADHD is the cause many people are mistakenly diagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can lead to significant issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. This means that if you're not satisfied with the wait times at your local NHS service you can opt to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out about timeframes for waiting, contact the providers.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These can include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The most appropriate solution for each person will be based on their specific needs and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD could also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in educational or work environments. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
In addition to testing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any comorbid mental health conditions, which often occur in conjunction with or appear to mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by examining the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from individuals who know the person, such as family members and friends.
If a doctor believes that the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed for adverse effects such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear according to an investigation by the BBC through FOI requests. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many opt for the private assessment method and can be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness and they should inquire why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if you're eligible to be seen. Once your GP agrees 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. The high demand for this service is the reason why some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it might be beneficial to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will assist them be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request is followed up upon. Here you can download a sample of the letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. During the examination they'll look at your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other conditions that might 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 via video conference.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However, this will only be possible if you are able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is a possibility if don't 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 searching their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or contacting them.