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 unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete, which your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment runs smoothly without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're experiencing restlessness and trouble concentrating or are finding it difficult to control your emotions, then it might be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain performs. But cost of adhd assessment uk to remember that there are other issues that might be causing your problems and they should be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they affect your 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 consider how your symptoms interfere with your daily life and also seek input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have plenty of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not sure, they will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment and look at your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions which can coexist with ADHD and also those which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
However, if you are struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can offer assessments through a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the waiting times of each provider before choosing one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or call them directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, therefore if this is important to you, make sure they provide this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to find out what arrangements are for your region.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP for a referral If you suspect that you have ADHD. It's important to keep in mind that GPs cannot diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert.
When you go for your assessment, you are likely to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The assessment process is in accordance with the guidelines laid out 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 look at comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. They will use these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many people. This can be because of the stigma surrounding the condition, and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, people from certain groups, such as those who are of color, assigned a female at birth, or not native English speakers, may face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. When ADHD is the root cause there are many who are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can cause significant problems with personal and professional relationships and also with everyday 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 compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These can include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with 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 can often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists, and by asking people who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a medical professional believes that the patient meets the criteria of ADHD, they will discuss the treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease 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 for side effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if required. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a long amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many opt for the private assessment option which allows them to be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be considered seriously and they should ask you why you think you be suffering from ADHD. They might request you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. After your GP agrees to refer you, you will be placed on 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 psychiatrist adhd assessment concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it may be helpful to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will allow them understand the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is acted upon. Here you can download a sample of a letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be referred to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and look into any medical history that might be causing your ADHD symptoms. They will also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The assessment can take between 45 and 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video calls.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment, you might be eligible for medication through the NHS. However this is only feasible if you're able get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you don't want to wait for an GP to refer you or in the event that you don't have one.
Alternately, you can get help from your local mental health trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer services) or by contacting their press offices.