How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
visit this backlink will be provided with pre-screening questions 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 prolonged appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you are struggling with difficulty concentrating and restlessness or find it difficult to manage your emotions, then it might be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way the brain functions. It is essential to keep in mind that other conditions may cause problems. These need to be taken into consideration before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and how they affect your life. They will then determine if you fit the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will consider how your symptoms impact your daily life, as well as seeking feedback from those who know you.
Psychiatrists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not certain, they'll do a full psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that may coexist with ADHD, as well as those that could result in the wrong diagnosis of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private companies that can provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the waiting times for each provider before choosing one. You can either inquire with your GP or contact the provider directly to determine the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment therefore If this is important to you, then ensure that they offer this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to determine what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral in the event that you think you be suffering from ADHD. It's important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest for a referral to an expert.
When you go for your assessment, you are likely to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They may also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines established 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 an infant. They will also take into consideration other comorbidities like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for those suffering from ADHD is getting the diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma that surrounds the condition and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, people who belong to certain groups, such as those who are a person of color, a woman at birth, or are not native English speakers, can face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis as there isn't a single test that can prove the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different condition, such as anxiety or depression, when the root cause is ADHD. This can result in significant issues in personal and professional relationships, as well as with everyday functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the waiting times at your local NHS services you can opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. To find out about waiting times, you should get in touch with the providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These include psychosocial assistance or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's particular requirements and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help with co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from a few adjustments to their environment, such as changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions at the workplace or in educational settings. This can be done with the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of mental health which often occur alongside or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done through the use of symptom checklists and by asking people who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes the patient meets the criteria of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most common treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed to treat negative side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs must be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if 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 by submitting FOI requests. This is a long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people opt to go the private assessment route since they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. They should take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if you're qualified to be seen. Once your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The high demand for this service is the reason why many areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it might be helpful to write a letter to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will assist them to comprehend the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is followed up on. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
After you've been recommended, you'll be invited to an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they'll look at your symptoms and look over your mental health history to rule out other conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They will also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD affects your daily routine. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or through a video call.
If your GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However this is only possible if you're able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait time it is possible to self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
You can also get help from your local mental health trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by looking up their websites (except for those that do not offer the service) or by contacting them.