How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
adhd assessments will be provided with pre-screening questions to fill out, which your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Symptoms
If you're experiencing anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to manage your emotions, then it may be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain functions. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other issues that may be causing your issues and should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you go to an ADHD assessment, your therapist will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. Then, they'll 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 consider how your symptoms affect your daily activities.
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 not sure they'll conduct a comprehensive mental health exam and review your other health issues. This will include a look at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD as well as those which can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like anxiety and depression.
If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers can offer assessments via video calls. 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 before you choose one. You can ask your GP about this, or you can contact them directly to inquire the current waiting times for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, therefore should this be a priority for you then make sure that they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP about the arrangements in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may have ADHD. But, it's important to remember that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They are able to provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to an expert in mental health.
You can be evaluated by psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your life and medical history, in addition to asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you as in your early years. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD is a difficult task for many. This can be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition as well as the lack of understanding by healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals who belong to certain groups, such as those who are a person of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English speakers, may face discrimination when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test to confirm ADHD. When ADHD is the root cause many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can cause significant problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS services, you can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. Contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. These include psychosocial support, or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's unique requirements and circumstances. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can address coexisting conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD might also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done under the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of the mental health, which often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists and by asking people who know you well to give feedback.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. These are available as tablets or injections, and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects, such as insomnia and loss of appetite that can be a result of ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD to an assessment and treatment. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is an extremely long time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to take the private assessment route because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step towards getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to take screening tests to determine if your qualified to be seen. Once visit here has agreed to refer you, they'll 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 some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it could be beneficial to write an email to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will allow your GP to understand the importance and urgency of the assessment, and ensure that they act on your request. Here you can download a sample of an email from ADHD UK.
After you've been recommended, you'll be invited to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the assessment they'll look at your symptoms and examine your mental health history to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your ADHD-related symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test can take between 45 and 90 minutes, and be conducted either in person or by video conference.
You could be eligible for medication through the NHS if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible when your doctor can refer you to an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who is willing to refer you, or you want to avoid the wait time, you can self-refer to a private health provider.
Alternatively, you can get help from your local mental health trust. You can find out 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.