How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before explanation will be given questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will help to ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you have difficulty staying focused, calming down or managing your emotions, it's recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD may be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way the brain functions. It's important to remember that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These need to be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also ask you how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also called the DSM-5. They will also solicit opinions from people who know you and look at how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychologists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not certain they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers can provide assessments via video call. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend that you check out the waiting times prior to you select one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can call them directly to inquire the current waiting times for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatments following an assessment, therefore if this is important to you, then ensure that they do offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this service, so it's worthwhile to consult your GP to determine what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you could request your GP to refer you to an assessment. It's important to keep in mind that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest for a referral to a specialist.
When you attend your assessment, you are likely to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They may also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment 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 when you were a child. They will also look at the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD can be a challenge for many. This can be because of the stigma that surrounds the condition as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. People from certain groups can be discriminated against if they seek help for their symptoms, such as women of color, those born, or non-native English speaking people.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis because there is no single test that can establish the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different condition, such as anxiety or depression, when the root of the issue is ADHD. This can lead to significant issues with personal and professional relationships as well as day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. This means that if you're unhappy with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can opt to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. Contact the providers directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These include psychosocial aid or both. The best option will depend on the individual's unique requirements and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just examine for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of the mental health, which may often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists, and by asking people who know you well to give feedback.
If a specialist believes a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They can be found in tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to manage adverse effects, like sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to manage underlying anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is an extended period of waiting for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain what you think might cause you to be suffering from ADHD. They might also ask you to fill out an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it may be helpful to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will help your GP understand the importance and urgency of the test and make sure they act upon your request. Here you can download a sample of an email from ADHD UK.
If you've 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 the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video calls.
You may be eligible for medication through the NHS in the event that your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be attainable if your GP can recommend you for an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who will agree to refer you to them, or you'd like to cut down the wait and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private health provider.
You can also seek assistance from your local mental trust. You can locate the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those that do not run a service) or contacting their press offices.