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 be provided with pre-screening questions to complete, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment is run smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty concentration, restlessness or managing your emotions, it is recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD may be the cause. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain functions. It is important to remember that other conditions could cause problems. These need to be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, the specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also want to know how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is also called the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning, as well as seeking input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able to determine fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they are not sure they'll take an extensive psychiatric assessment and look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can offer assessments through a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the waiting times of each provider before choosing one. You can consult your GP about this, or you can contact them directly to find out what their current wait time is for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, therefore If this is important to you, then ensure that they do offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's worthwhile to consult your GP to determine what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you can inquire with your GP to refer you to an assessment. However, it's important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
You can expect to be evaluated by psychiatrists. The doctor will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is guided by the guidelines laid out 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 consider the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for those with ADHD is getting a diagnosis. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition, and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. People from certain groups can also face discrimination if they seek help for their symptoms, such as women of color, people of color assigned at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis as there is no single test that can prove 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 day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. adhd diagnosis assessment means that if you're unhappy with the wait time at your local NHS service, you can choose to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial assistance or both. The most suitable solution for each person will depend on their individual needs and situation. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can help with any coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only assess for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of mental health which may often accompany or mimic ADHD among adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists, and also by asking those who know you well to give feedback.
If a medical professional believes that the patient has the characteristics of ADHD, they will discuss the options for treatment. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. These are available as pills or injections and may have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat side effects, such as sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat depression or anxiety.
GPs should be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are legally obliged to refer patients to an assessment and treatment when needed. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a significant amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is why many people choose the private assessment route, where they can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they'll ask you why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to take an assessment test to determine if your eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about the amount of time you have to wait to be assessed you may be able to write a letter to your GP detailing what you require. This will allow your GP to be aware of the importance and urgency of the test, and ensure that they will act upon your request. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a specialist to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out any other conditions that might cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They will also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or through a video call.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However this is only feasible if you're able receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the waiting time, you can self-refer to a private health provider.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not run services) or contacting their press offices.