How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to fill out that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is run smoothly and without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to manage your emotions, then it might be worth consulting with a doctor to determine whether ADHD could be the reason. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that there are other conditions that might be causing your problems and they should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you undergo an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM-5. They will consider how your symptoms impact your daily functioning and also seek input from those who know you.
Psychologists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they are not sure they'll conduct an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD and also those which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
However, if you are struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can offer assessments through a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the wait times for each service before deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or contact them directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. If this is important to you, make sure that they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. However, it's important to know that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for the referral to an expert in mental health.
When you attend your assessment, you can expect to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They might also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also look at comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. They will use these criteria to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for many. adhd assessment cheap can be because of the stigma that surrounds the condition, and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals belonging to certain groups, like people of color, assigned a female at birth, or are not native English people, could face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test to prove ADHD. If ADHD is the cause many people are mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can cause issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. This means that if you're not satisfied with the wait times at your local NHS service you can opt 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. To find out the wait times, contact the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These include psychosocial assistance, or both. The best option will depend on the individual's particular needs and circumstances. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in school or workplace environments. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD, the doctor will also determine if there are any mental health conditions, which often occur in conjunction with or are similar to ADHD in adults. This will be done by examining symptom checklists and asking for feedback from people who know the person well like family members and friends.
If a specialist believes a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment since they improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. adhd assessment online uk can be found in the form of tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to control adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss that are often related to ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to manage depression or anxiety.
GPs must take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if required. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is an extremely long time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route since they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. They'll be attentive to your concerns and ask why you think you might have ADHD. You might be asked to take screening tests to determine if you're eligible to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to an overwhelming demand for the service and many areas are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you are concerned about the amount of time you have to wait for an assessment you may be able to write a letter to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will help your GP be aware of the importance and urgency of the assessment, and ensure that they take action on your request. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you to an assessment. In the course of the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or through a video calls.
You may be qualified for medication on the NHS in the event that your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible if your GP can refer you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you 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 area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or contacting them.