How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There is a wide variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Before your consultation you will be given questions to screen for. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will help to ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for prolonged appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're experiencing anxiety and irritability or find it difficult to manage your emotions, then you should consider visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way the brain functions. It is important to be aware that other conditions could be causing you problems. These need to be considered prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, the specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also ask you how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they affect your life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, called the DSM-5. They will also ask for feedback from those who know you and look at the impact of your symptoms on your daily functioning.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able tell fairly quickly whether you're eligible for an assessment. If they're not certain they'll conduct a comprehensive psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health issues. This will include a look at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD and also the conditions that can cause a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
However, if you are struggling to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private firms that provide assessments via a video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page, and we recommend to look over the waiting times before you decide on one. You can ask your GP about this, or call directly to find out what their current wait time is for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, so if this is important to you, then ensure that they offer this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to find out what arrangements are in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you may inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. It's important to keep in mind that GPs aren't able to diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and ask for a referral to an expert.
You can anticipate to be evaluated by psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms affect your life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The assessment process is based upon the guidelines established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were an infant. They will also take into account comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. They will utilize these criteria to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
Finding out that you have ADHD is a difficult task for a lot of people. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition, and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals belonging to certain groups, like people of colour, assigned female at birth or non-native English people, could face discrimination when seeking help to treat their symptoms.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. If ADHD is the cause many people are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can lead to significant issues with professional and personal relationships and also with daily functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. This means that if you're not satisfied with the wait times at your local NHS service you can opt to go to a different provider under the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled a list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the wait times, contact the service providers.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These include psychosocial support or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, while psychosocial support can address any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
A person suffering from ADHD might also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in workplace or educational setting. This can be done under the guidance of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to testing for ADHD, the specialist will also look at whether there are any mental health issues that frequently accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by examining symptom checklists and asking for feedback from people who are familiar with the person like family members and friends.
If the specialist believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over possible treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants, which increase concentration and decrease impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and can have both short and long-term effects.
Other medications are prescribed for side effects, such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that can be a result of ADHD. Certain people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to manage underlying depression or anxiety.
GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are legally required to refer patients to an assessment and treatment when required. According to the BBC, a backlog in ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to be cleared. This is a long amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many opt for the private assessment route which allows them to be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. They'll consider your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They might request you to complete an assessment tool to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list.
In England The average wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is due to the an enormous demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it might be helpful to write a letter to your GP to explain why you require an assessment. This will assist them to be aware of the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is followed up on. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
If you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and examine any medical history that might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could be between 45 and 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video call.
You may be qualified for medication on the NHS if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However, this will only be possible if you are able to get an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you want to avoid the wait it is possible to self-refer to a private healthcare provider.
Alternatively, you can get help from your local mental health trust. adhd assessment online iampsychiatry can locate a list of NHS mental health trusts that provide ADHD assessments in your area by searching the websites of the individual Trusts (except those which do not offer an assessment service) or contacting their press offices.