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 be provided with pre-screening questions to fill out that your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will help to ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to manage your emotions then you should consider seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects how the brain performs. It is important to keep in mind that there are other conditions that might be causing your problems and should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed with ADHD.
how much does an adhd assessment cost will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will also solicit opinions from people who know you, and will consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able determine quickly if you're eligible for diagnosis. If they're not sure they'll conduct a comprehensive psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health problems. This will include looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD as well as those which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're 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 suggest that you look up the waiting times of each one prior to deciding on one. You can either inquire with your GP or call the provider directly to determine how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, so should this be a priority for you, then ensure that they do offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worth checking with your GP to determine what arrangements are for your region.
Diagnosis
You can ask your GP for a referral if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It's important to keep in mind that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They can only report symptoms and suggest for a referral to an expert.
When get assessed for adhd attend your assessment, you can expect to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They may also require you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as a child. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
One of the biggest hurdles for people who have ADHD is obtaining an diagnosis. This can be because of the stigma that surrounds the condition, as well as an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals belonging to certain groups, such as those who are a person of color, a woman at birth, or are not native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test that can confirm ADHD. If ADHD is the cause there are many who are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can cause significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. This means that if you're unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS service you can opt to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, contact the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. They can include psychosocial support, medication, or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's particular requirements and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve performance, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD can also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in the workplace or education settings. This can be done with the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any mental health conditions, which often accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who know you well to give feedback.
If a specialist believes the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment since they improve concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. These are available as tablets or injections and can have both long-term and short-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed for side effects such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss which are often associated with ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs should take any concerns about possible ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients to an assessment and treatment when required. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many individuals opt for the private assessment method, where they can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Your concerns should be taken seriously and they should ask you why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They may also ask you to fill out an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. After your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to an overwhelming demand for the service and many regions are struggling to keep up with it.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it could be helpful to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will allow your GP to be aware of the importance and urgency of the test and ensure that they take action on your request. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a specialist to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and look into any mental health history that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test typically lasts 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or through a video calls.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However this is only feasible if you're able be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you'd like to cut down the waiting time and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private health provider.
Alternatively, you can get help from your local mental health trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of individual Trusts (except those which do not offer an assessment service) or contacting their press offices.