How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a significant variation in quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before your appointment you will be given questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will help to ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty concentration, restlessness or controlling your emotions, it is recommended to talk to a doctor about whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way the brain works. It's important to remember that other conditions may cause problems. These conditions must be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you take part in an ADHD assessment, your specialist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also ask how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and how they impact your 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 seek opinions from people who know you and look at the impact of your symptoms on your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they will be able to determine quickly if you're eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not sure, they'll do a full mental health exam and review your other health problems. This will include looking at other conditions which can be associated with ADHD as well as those which can lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS there are private providers who can provide assessments via a video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. mouse click for source recommend you to check the waiting times for each service before deciding on one. You can consult your GP about this, or call them directly to find out what their current wait time is for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure that they provide this service. Some providers have agreements to offer this service with local NHS Trusts, so check with your GP about the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
Ask your GP for a referral if you suspect you may have ADHD. It is important to note that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
You can anticipate to be evaluated by psychiatrists. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical background, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They may also ask you to fill out 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 take into account other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
One of the most difficult things for people who have ADHD is obtaining a diagnosis. This is due to the stigma surrounding the condition, and an absence of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals from certain groups, for instance those who are of colour, assigned female at birth, or not native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.
There is no test that can prove ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with a different condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can cause significant problems in personal and professional relationships as well as daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the wait time at your local NHS service you can decide to visit a different service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to inquire about their waiting times.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that are available to people suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid or both. The most appropriate solution for each person will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. Medicines can ease symptoms and improve functioning, whereas psychosocial support can help with any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a few adjustments to their environment, such as making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or in educational settings. This can be accomplished with the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to the evaluation for ADHD and other disorders, the specialist will also examine whether there are any other mental health issues, which often occur in conjunction with or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by reviewing the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from those who know the person well like family members and friends.
If a doctor believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will talk about treatment options. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment because they boost concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. These can be found in tablets or injections. They can be used for short- or long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for adverse effects such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that can be a result of ADHD. Certain people can also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, that can help combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.
GPs need to take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever required. However the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to clear, according to the BBC's investigation, by submitting FOI requests. This is a significant amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many individuals opt for the private assessment option and can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to visit your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and ask the reasons you think you have ADHD. You may be asked to take screening tests to determine if your qualified to be seen. If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to a high demand for this service, and many regions are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you are worried about the amount of time you be waiting for an appointment you may want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will help your doctor recognize the importance and urgency of the assessment, and ensure that they will act on your request. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be invited to an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they'll look at your symptoms and look over your mental health background to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or through a video call.
If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible to receive treatment through the NHS. However, this will only be feasible if you're able get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private healthcare 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 looking up their websites (except for those that don't run the service) or by contacting them.