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 not acceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to fill out, which your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will help to ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentration, restlessness or managing your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD could be the problem. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way in which the brain functions. It is essential to remember that other conditions may be causing problems for you. These need to be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is also called the DSM-5. They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily life, as well as seeking input from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll be able to determine fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not certain, they will carry out an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD and those that could result in a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
However, if you are having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private firms that provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the wait times for each provider before choosing one. cost of adhd assessment uk can ask your GP or call the service directly to learn the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is essential to your needs, make sure they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP about the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP for a referral If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest for a referral to an expert.
If you are scheduled for an assessment, you are likely to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. The specialist will talk to you about your life and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms affect your life. You might be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you as when you were a child. 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 main challenges for those with ADHD is getting an diagnosis. This can be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness by health professionals. People belonging to certain groups may also face discrimination if they seek help for their symptoms, for example, women of color, those born at birth or non-native English speaking people.
There is no test to verify ADHD. If ADHD is the cause, many people are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can lead to significant issues with personal and professional relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS service you can opt to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include psychosocial aid, or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's particular requirements and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial support can address any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational settings. This can be done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of mental health which can often accompany or mimic ADHD among adults. This is done by reviewing the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from those who are familiar with the person like family members and friends.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss possible treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available as tablets or injections, and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to manage negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss that are often related to ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs are legally required to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to clear according to an investigation by the BBC by submitting FOI requests. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many opt for the private assessment route, where they can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to visit your GP. They'll consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They may also ask you to fill out an assessment tool to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has agreed to refer you to them, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.
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're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it might be beneficial to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will allow them to be aware of the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is followed up on. Here you can download an example of the letter from ADHD UK.
Once you've been referred, you'll be invited to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the examination they'll discuss your symptoms and review your mental health history to rule out other conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could be between 45 to 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 to receive medication through the NHS. This will only be possible in the event that your GP is able to refer you to an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you want to avoid the wait time and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private health provider.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by searching their websites (except for those that do not provide the service) or by contacting them.