How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before your appointment you will receive pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or you are having trouble to control your emotions, then you should consider visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way that the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that there are other issues that might be causing your problems and should be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also ask how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you are in compliance with the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities, as well as seeking opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not sure they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD as well as the conditions that can cause a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
However, if you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private companies that can offer assessments through a video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend that you look up the waiting times before you select one. You can ask your GP or call the service directly to learn how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, so If this is important to you, make sure 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
If you suspect that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, you can ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. It is important to remember that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD themselves - they can only relay your symptoms and ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
When you attend your assessment, you are likely to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The specialist will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). cost of adhd assessment uk will look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for those with ADHD is obtaining a diagnosis. This is due to the stigma surrounding the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, people who belong to certain groups, such as those who are a person of color, assigned a female at birth or non-native English speakers, may face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. If ADHD is the cause there are many who are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can result in significant issues in personal and professional relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS services, you can choose to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for people with ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid or both. The most appropriate solution for each person will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only look for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of mental health which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This is accomplished by reviewing symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from individuals who know the person like family members and friends.
If a doctor believes that an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about the treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They are available in tablets or injections and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat side effects, such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss that can be a result of ADHD. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs must be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever needed. However, the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to clear according to the BBC's investigation, by submitting FOI requests. This is an extremely long period of waiting for an essential service. Many people choose to take the private assessment route since they can self-refer and get direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness, and they should inquire why you believe you may have ADHD. They might request you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about the amount of time you be waiting for an appointment, you might want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will help your doctor recognize the importance and urgency of the examination, and ensure that they will act upon your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and review your mental health history to rule out any other conditions that might cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or through a video conference.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS when your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible when your doctor can refer you for an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait time, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide an assessment service) or contacting their press offices.