How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a number of significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. online assessment for adhd is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive pre-screening questionnaires to fill out, which your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with restlessness and trouble concentrating or are finding it difficult to control your emotions, then it might be worth consulting with a doctor to determine whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain functions. It is essential to keep in mind that other conditions may be causing you problems. These need to be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They'll also ask how long you have been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Then, they will determine if you fit 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 will consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they will be able to tell fairly quickly whether you're eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not sure they'll conduct an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could be co-existent with ADHD, as well as the conditions that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
However, if you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can provide assessments via a video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest to look over the waiting time before you decide on one. You can ask your GP or call the service directly to determine how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure that they provide this service. Certain providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this service, so it's important to check with your GP to see 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. However, it's important to know that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves - they can only relay your symptoms and ask for the referral to a mental health specialist.
When you attend your assessment, you can expect to consult with a psychiatrist consultant. This specialist will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may 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 assess your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were a child. They will also consider other comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. They will apply these criteria to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
One of the main challenges for those with ADHD is getting the diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma that surrounds the condition and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. People from certain groups can also face discrimination if they seek treatment for their symptoms, like women of color, people of color born at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. If ADHD is the cause many people are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can cause significant problems with personal and professional relationships as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. If you are unhappy with the waiting times at your local NHS services you can opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the service providers.
Treatment
A number of treatment options are available for people with ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The most suitable solution for each person will depend on their unique needs and situation. While medication can ease symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from 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 done with the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The specialist will not only examine for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of the mental health, which may often occur alongside 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 the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about possible treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and reduce impulsiveness. They are available in pills or injections and may be used for both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed to manage negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. cost of adhd assessment may also benefit from psychosocial treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs should be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously, and they are legally obliged to refer patients for an assessment and treatment when required. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to eliminate according to an investigation by the BBC using FOI requests. This is an extremely long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people choose to take the route of private assessment because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS. They'll take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain why you think you might have ADHD. You may be asked to complete screening tests to determine if your qualified to be seen. After your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
In England The average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is because there is an enormous demand for this service, and many regions are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it might be beneficial to write an email to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will allow them to comprehend the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted upon. Here you can download an example of an email from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred to a specialist to a specialist, you'll be referred to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and look into any medical history that might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or by video calls.
If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible for medication through the NHS. This will only be possible if your GP can recommend you for an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you don't want to wait for an GP to refer you or if you don’t have one.
You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by looking up their websites (except for those that don't offer the service) or contacting them.