How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a huge difference in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before your consultation you will receive pre-screening questions to complete. how much does an adhd assessment cost will then review them. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or you are having trouble to manage your emotions, then you should consider visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way that the brain functions. It is important to be aware that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These need to be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They'll also ask how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your 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 input from people who know you and consider how your symptoms impact your daily functioning.
Psychologists have a lot of experience in diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able tell you fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're unsure, they'll do a full psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This includes looking at other illnesses that can be associated with ADHD and also those which can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
However, if you are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can offer assessments through a video call. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend to look over the waiting times before you choose one. You can ask your GP about this, or you can contact directly to find out what their current wait time is for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatments following an assessment, so if this is important to you then make sure that they provide this service. Certain providers have agreements to offer 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 be suffering from ADHD. It's important to keep in mind that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and request a referral to an expert.
You can be assessed by psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your life and medical history, as well as asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. They might also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based on the guidelines set 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 consider comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. They will utilize these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for those with ADHD is getting a diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma that surrounds the condition and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. Additionally, those who belong to certain groups, such as those who are of color, a woman at birth, or not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.
There is no test to verify ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a other condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can cause significant problems with professional and personal relationships, as well as with everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. If you are unhappy with the waiting times at your local NHS services you can opt to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. They can include psychosocial support, medication or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. The use of medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
Someone with ADHD can also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education environments. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which can often accompany or mimic ADHD among adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who know you well to give feedback.
If a specialist believes a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available as tablets or injections and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects like insomnia and loss of appetite which are often associated with ADHD. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns regarding ADHD for 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 a significant amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many opt for the private assessment method, where they can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to visit your GP. They'll consider your concerns seriously and ask what you think might cause you to have ADHD. They may request you to complete an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
In England the average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it may be helpful to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will help them to understand the importance of the examination and ensure that your request gets acted upon. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
After you've been recommended, you'll be invited to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. In the course of the assessment, they'll look at your symptoms and investigate any mental health history that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The assessment could last between 45 to 90 minutes and be conducted either in person or via video calls.
You may be eligible for medication on the NHS if your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However this is only possible if you're able to receive an assessment via 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 waiting time it is possible to 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 searching their websites (except for those that don't provide the service) or by contacting them.