How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a number of significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to complete that your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is smooth and without the need for extended appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are having trouble staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it's recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD could be the problem. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain performs. It is essential to remember that other conditions could cause problems. These should be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is also called the DSM-5. They will also ask for opinions from people who know you and look at the impact of your symptoms on your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they will be able to determine quickly if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. If they are not sure, they will carry out a full psychiatric history and examine your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD and those that can lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
However, if you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can provide assessments via video call. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest to look over the waiting times prior to you select one. You can consult your GP or contact the provider directly to determine the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to your needs, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD and you suspect it, you may request your GP to refer you for an assessment. But, it's important to note that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to a mental health specialist.
When you go for your evaluation, you'll be able to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also look at comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many. This can be because of the stigma that surrounds the condition, and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, people belonging to certain groups, such as those who are of colour, assigned female at birth, or are not native English people, could face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test that can confirm ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a other condition, such as depression or anxiety, even though the root of the issue is ADHD. This can lead to significant issues in both personal and professional relationships as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the wait time at your local NHS service you can decide to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. These include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will be based on their specific needs and situation. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
cheap adhd assessment I Am Psychiatry with ADHD can also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in educational or work settings. This is done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just examine for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of the mental health, which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists, and by asking people who know you well to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes the person is a candidate for ADHD, they will discuss the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They are available as tablets or injections, and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to control adverse effects, like issues with sleep and loss of appetite that are often related to ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally obliged to refer patients to an assessment and treatment whenever required. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear according to the BBC's investigation, through FOI requests. This is a long period of waiting for an essential service. 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 from the NHS is to visit your GP. They should 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 are qualified to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England, the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you are concerned about the amount of time you have to wait to be assessed you may be able to write a letter to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will allow your GP to recognize the importance and urgency of the test and make sure they take action upon your request. Here you can download an example of an email from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred, a 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 will also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could take between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video call.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. This will only be attainable when your doctor can refer you to an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have a GP who will agree to refer you, or you want to avoid the wait, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also get help from your local mental health trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by looking up their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or contacting them.