How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before your appointment you will receive questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment is run smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions, then it might be worth consulting with a doctor to determine whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects how the brain performs. It is important to keep in mind that there are other issues that might be causing your problems and they should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you undergo an ADHD assessment. They'll also ask how long you have been experiencing these symptoms, and how they affect your life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is also called the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms interfere with your daily functioning, as well as seeking opinions from those who are familiar with you.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able to determine fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're unsure they'll conduct a comprehensive psychiatric review and examine your other health problems. adhd online assessment will include a look at other conditions which can coexist with ADHD as well as the conditions that can cause an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
However, if you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the wait times for each service before deciding on one. You can inquire with your GP or contact the provider directly to learn the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to you, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worth checking with your GP to see what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP for a referral in the event that you think you have ADHD. It is important to know that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD themselves - they are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
You can expect to be evaluated by psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They might also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The assessment process is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into account other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many people. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition and a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may also face discrimination if they seek help for their symptoms, such as women of color, those born at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is no test to verify ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with other condition, such as depression or anxiety, even though the root cause is ADHD. This can cause significant problems with professional and personal relationships, as well as with daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the waiting times at your local NHS services you can opt to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. Contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The best option for each individual will depend on their unique needs and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial support can help with co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD can also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their environment like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in school or workplace environments. This can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just examine for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of the mental health, which often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and by asking people who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a specialist believes a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over the treatment options. The most popular treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. They are available in pills or injections and may be used for both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to treat side effects, such as insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to manage underlying anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is a long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people prefer to take the private assessment route since they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness, and they'll ask you why you think you have ADHD. You might be asked to complete screening tests to determine if your eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting for an assessment, you might consider writing a letter to your GP explaining what you need. This will allow your GP to recognize the importance and urgency of the test and ensure that they will act upon your request. Here is an example of a letter from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred, a 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 medical conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video calls.
You could be qualified for medication on the NHS in the event that your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However it's only feasible if you're able get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you do not want to wait for an GP to refer you, or even if you don't have a GP.
You can also seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide services) or by contacting their press offices.