How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to fill out, which your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your appointment is run smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty concentrating, restlessness or managing your emotions, it is recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD could be the problem. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain functions. It is important to keep in mind that other conditions could be causing you problems. These need to be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also ask you how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they affect your life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also solicit feedback from those who know you and look at how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able to determine within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not certain they'll conduct a thorough mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include examining other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD and the conditions that could lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
However, if how much is an adhd assessment are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can provide assessments via a video call. You can find 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 decide on one. You can either consult your GP or call the service directly to determine the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, make sure they offer this service. Certain providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP about the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP for a referral in the event that you think you have ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and request a referral to an expert.
When you attend your assessment, you are likely to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were a child. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge for many. This could be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition and the lack of awareness by health professionals. In addition, individuals who belong to certain groups, for instance people of color, a woman at birth or non-native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.
There is no test to confirm ADHD. When ADHD is the primary cause there are many who are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can cause difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. This means that if you're dissatisfied 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 a 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
A number of treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's particular needs and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or educational settings. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The specialist will not only assess for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists, and by asking people who know you well to give feedback.
If a specialist believes the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about the treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects, such as eating disorders and sleep problems, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Some people can benefit from psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage underlying anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC that a backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is an extended time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to go the private assessment route because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to see your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness, and they should inquire why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They might also ask you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. After your GP accepts to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
In England The average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason why many areas are having difficulty keeping up.
If you are worried about the length of time you will be waiting to be assessed you may want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will help them to understand the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is followed up on. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a specialist for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They will also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The assessment could be between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video call.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive treatment 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 a GP who is willing 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 healthcare provider.
Alternately, you can seek out support from your local mental health trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that do not offer the service) or by contacting them.