How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS

There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.

Before your appointment, you will be sent pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment runs smoothly without the need for extended appointments.

Symptoms

If you have difficulty concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way in which the brain operates. But it's important to remember that there are other conditions that may be causing your issues and they should be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.

When you attend an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. Then, they will determine if you fit the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how your symptoms interfere with your daily activities and also seek feedback from those who know you.

Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they'll be able tell fairly quickly whether you are eligible for diagnosis. If they're not sure, they will carry out a full psychiatric history and examine your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that could be associated with ADHD as well as the conditions that can cause an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.

If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers can provide assessments through video calls. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend that you look up the waiting time before you choose one. You can inquire with your GP or contact the provider directly to determine the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment therefore should this be a priority for you then make sure that they offer this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to see what the arrangements are for your region.

Diagnosis


You can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist 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 a referral to an expert.

You can anticipate to be assessed by psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your health history, lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They might also ask you to complete 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 and how they affected you as when you were a child. They will also look at comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.

One of the main challenges for those suffering from ADHD is obtaining the diagnosis. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, people from certain groups, for instance people of colour, assigned female at birth or non-native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking help to treat their symptoms.

There is no test to confirm ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different disorder, like anxiety or depression, when the underlying problem is ADHD. This can cause significant issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as in daily functioning.

The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're unhappy with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can opt to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled an inventory of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the wait times, contact the service providers.

Treatment

ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. They can include medication, psychosocial support or both. The best option will depend on the individual's specific needs and circumstances. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.

Someone with ADHD may also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their surroundings, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in school or workplace environments. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.

The specialist will not only assess for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of the mental health, which may often accompany or mimic ADHD among adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and by asking people who are familiar with you to provide feedback.

If a medical professional believes that the patient has the characteristics of ADHD they will go over the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available in the form of tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.

Other medications can be prescribed for side effects like eating disorders and sleep disturbances that are sometimes associated ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to deal with depression or anxiety symptoms.

GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously, and they are legally bound to refer patients to an assessment and treatment whenever required. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a long amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many people choose the private assessment route which allows them to be self-referred to and have more direct access to specialists.

Support

Visit your GP to receive an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness and they should ask you what you think you might have ADHD. They might also ask you to complete a screening tool to see if you're eligible for an appointment. If your GP agrees to refer you, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.

The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is because there is 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 informing them of the reason you require an assessment. how do i get an adhd assessment Links to an external site. will assist them to be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted upon. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.

If you've been referred to a specialist for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an appointment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the examination they'll discuss your symptoms and look over your mental health history to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or through a video call.

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 will only be possible if you are able to be assessed through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you, or you'd like to cut down the wait time, you can self-refer to a private healthcare provider.

You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can find a list of NHS mental health trusts offering ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer a service) or contacting their press offices.