How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will be provided with pre-screening questions to fill out, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you're experiencing difficulty concentrating and restlessness or are finding it difficult to manage your emotions then it might be worth consulting with a doctor to determine whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way the brain functions. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other conditions that could be causing your difficulties, and these need to be considered before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily activities as well as requesting feedback from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able to determine within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not sure, they'll do a full psychiatric review and examine your other health problems. This will include examining other conditions that can coexist with ADHD, as well as those that could result in an undiagnosed case of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
If great post to read struggling to get an ADHD assessment from the NHS, private providers can provide assessments through video calls. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We suggest that you look up the waiting times for each provider before choosing one. You can inquire with 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 then make sure that they do offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to find out what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to remember that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves. They are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for the referral to a mental health specialist.
If you are scheduled for an evaluation, you'll be able to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms affect your life. They may also require you to fill out questionnaires and 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 look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for people who have ADHD is obtaining the diagnosis. This can be due to the stigma associated with the condition as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals who belong to certain groups, like those who are a person of color, assigned a female at birth, or not native English speakers, may face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis as there is no single test that can prove the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the root cause, many people are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can cause significant problems with personal and professional relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers the 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 go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available to people suffering from ADHD. They can include psychosocial support, medication or both. The best option will depend on the individual's unique requirements and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or educational setting. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also determine if there are any other mental health issues, which frequently accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who know you well to provide feedback.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. They can be found in tablets or injections. They can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects, such as insomnia and loss of appetite that can be a result of ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to manage depression or anxiety.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they 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 clear. This is a long amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many opt for the private assessment method and can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be considered seriously and they should ask you why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete a screening test to determine if you're qualified to be seen. If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
In England the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it may be beneficial to write an email to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will allow your GP to recognize the importance and urgency of the examination and make sure they will act upon your request. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
After you have been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and examine any medical history that might be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment can take between 45 to 90 minutes and be conducted either in person or via video calls.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. However, this will only be possible if you're able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who is willing to refer you, or you want to avoid the wait and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private health provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not run a service) or by contacting their press offices.