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 receive pre-screening questionnaires to complete that your psychiatrist will examine prior to you meet. This will help to ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have difficulty staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it's recommended to consult a physician about whether ADHD could be the problem. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way in which the brain functions. But it's important to remember that there are other conditions that may be causing your issues, and these need to be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they affect your life. They will then determine if you are in compliance with the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider the ways in which your symptoms affect your daily functioning as well as requesting input from those who know you.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They will likely be able to determine within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they're not sure they'll take an exhaustive psychiatric history as well as look at your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that could coexist with ADHD and those that could result in an undiagnosed case of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're trying to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private companies that can provide assessments via a video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend that you check out the waiting time before you decide on one. You can either ask your GP or contact the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If psych assessment for adhd is important to your needs, make sure they provide this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to find out what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have ADHD, you could inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. It's important to keep in mind that GPs can't diagnose ADHD - they only relay symptoms and suggest a referral to an expert.
You can be evaluated by a psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your life and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The assessment process is based on the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for those with ADHD is getting a diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition as well as the lack of understanding by health professionals. Certain groups of people may be discriminated against if they seek help for their symptoms, such as people of color, women born at birth, or non-native English speaking individuals.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can lead to significant issues in both personal and professional relationships as well as everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are unhappy with the wait times for your local NHS services You can choose to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. Contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. These can include psychosocial support, medication or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's specific requirements and situation. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial support can help with any co-existing issues like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD may also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, for example, making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or educational setting. This can be done with the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD, the specialist will also look at whether there are any other mental health issues that frequently accompany or are similar to ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes that an individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment because they boost concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available as tablets or injections, and can be used for 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. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to manage underlying depression or anxiety.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally obliged 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 be cleared. This is an extended time to wait for an essential service. Many people choose to take the private assessment route because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they'll ask you why you think you have ADHD. They may request you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible to receive an appointment. Once your GP accepts to refer you, you'll 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 a high demand for the service, and many regions are struggling to keep up with it.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it could be helpful to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will assist them be aware of the significance of the test and ensure that your request is acted on. Here is a sample of the letter from ADHD UK.
After you have been referred, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. In psych assessment for adhd of the assessment, they'll look at your symptoms and investigate any mental health history that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The test can be between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference.
You could be eligible for medication on the NHS if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. This will only be possible in the event that your GP is able to refer you to an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is an option if you don't want to wait around for an GP to refer you, or even if you don't have a GP.
You can also seek help from your local mental trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that don't offer the service) or contacting them.