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 not acceptable and must be addressed.
Prior to your appointment you will receive questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you are having trouble concentrating, restlessness or managing your emotions, it is worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects how the brain functions. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other issues that could be causing your difficulties and they should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, the specialist will begin by asking questions 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 meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is also known as the DSM-5. They will also seek feedback from those who know you and look at how your symptoms affect your daily activities.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able to tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they are not sure they'll take an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD as well as those which can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
However, if you are trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private firms that provide assessments via video call. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend to look over the waiting times before you select one. You can either inquire with your GP or call the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure they provide this service. Certain providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP regarding the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, you could inquire with your GP to refer you to an assessment. It is important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They can only report symptoms and ask a referral to a specialist.
You can expect to be assessed by psychiatrists. The specialist will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process 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 as well as how they affected you as an infant. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. how much is an adhd assessment uk will use these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a challenge for a lot of people. This is due to the stigma that surrounds the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. People belonging to certain groups may also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, such as women of color, people of color born at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is no test that can prove ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different disorder, like anxiety or depression, when the root of the issue is ADHD. This can lead to significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as in everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times for your local NHS services you can opt to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out about timeframes for waiting, contact the service providers.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for people with ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The most suitable option for each individual will depend on their unique needs and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
Someone with ADHD may also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their environment like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors 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 specialist will also examine whether there are any other mental health issues that frequently accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes the person has the characteristics of ADHD, they will discuss the treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. These can be found in the form of tablets or injections, and can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects like insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients to an assessment and treatment whenever needed. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to clear according to an investigation by the BBC by submitting FOI requests. This is a long time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route since they can self-refer and get direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. They'll be attentive to your concerns and ask the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to complete a screening test to determine if you're eligible to be seen. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, 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 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 may be helpful to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will help your GP recognize the importance and urgency of the assessment and ensure that they take action on your request. Here is a sample of a letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be invited to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or via video conference.
You may be eligible for medication on the NHS in the event that your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However it's only possible if you are able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is a possibility if don't want to wait for an GP to refer you, or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by searching their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or contacting them.