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 unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

You will be provided with pre-screening questions to complete, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.

Symptoms

If you're experiencing anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to manage your emotions then it might be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way that the brain functions. But it's important to remember that there are other issues that could be causing your difficulties and they should be considered before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.

Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also seek opinions from people who know you, and will consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning.

Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they'll be able to determine quickly if you are eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not certain they'll conduct a thorough psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD and those that can lead to an undiagnosed case of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.

If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend you to check the waiting times of each provider before choosing one. adhd assessment uk www.iampsychiatry.uk can inquire with your GP or call the service directly to find out how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment therefore should this be a priority for you, make sure they offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to find out what arrangements are in your area.

Diagnosis

Request your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you think you be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They can only report symptoms and ask a referral to a specialist.

You can anticipate to be assessed by psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your life and medical history, in addition to asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.


The assessment process is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as an infant. They will also consider other comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. They will use these criteria to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD.

The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many. This is because of the stigma associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, for example, women of color, people of color born, or non-native English speaking individuals.

There is no test that can confirm ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different condition, such as depression or anxiety, even though the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause significant issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as everyday functioning.

The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. This means that if you're unhappy with the wait time at your local NHS service, you can choose to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the service providers.

Treatment

ADHD sufferers have a range of treatment options. They include medication, psychosocial support or both. The best option will depend on the individual's specific requirements and circumstances. While medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.

Someone with ADHD could benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education settings. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

In addition to testing for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also look at whether there are any comorbid mental health conditions, which often accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by reviewing the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from individuals who are familiar with the person, such as family members and friends.

If a medical professional believes that the person is a candidate for ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. The most commonly used treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They can be found in the form of tablets or injections, and they can be used for short- or long-term effects.

Other medications can be prescribed to control negative side effects, including eating disorders and sleep problems that are often associated with ADHD. Certain people may benefit from psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage underlying depression or anxiety.

GPs are legally required 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 extremely long time to wait for an essential service. Many people prefer to take the route of private assessment because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.

Support

The first step in getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to visit your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and ask you about what you think might cause you to be suffering from ADHD. They may also ask you to fill out a screening tool to see if you're eligible for an appointment. After your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.

The average time to receive an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to the an overwhelming demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with the demand.

If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it may be beneficial to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will allow them to be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request is followed up on. Here you can download a sample of an email from ADHD UK.

Once you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be referred to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they will look at your symptoms and investigate any mental health history that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment can last between 45 and 90 minutes, and be conducted either in person or by video call.

You could be qualified for medication on the NHS in the event that your GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. However it's only possible if you're able to receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you want to avoid the wait, you can self-refer to a private health provider.

Alternately, 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 browsing their websites (except for those that don't run the service) or by contacting them.