How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS<br /><br />There is a significant variation in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessment reports. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.<br /><br />Before your consultation, you will be sent pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then go over them. This will ensure that your appointment is smooth and without the need for long appointments.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or find it difficult to manage your emotions, then it might be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD might be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the way that the brain functions. But it's important to remember that there are other issues that could be causing your difficulties, and these need to be considered before you are able to be diagnosed with ADHD.<br /><br />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 impact your daily life. They will then determine if you fit the criteria outlined 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.<br /><br />Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they will be able to quickly determine if you meet the criteria for an assessment. If they're unsure they'll conduct a comprehensive psycho-psychiatric examination and look at your other health problems. This includes looking at other illnesses that can coexist with ADHD and also those which can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression.<br /><br />If you're having trouble getting an ADHD assessment through the NHS private providers are able to offer assessments via video calls. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest to look over the waiting times before you decide on one. You can either inquire with your GP or contact the provider directly to learn how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. Some providers also offer 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 provide this service, so it's worthwhile to consult your GP to see what the arrangements are in your area.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br /><br /><br />Ask your GP for a referral if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. But, it's important to note that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD by themselves. They are able to communicate your symptoms and ask for the referral to an expert in mental health.<br /><br />You can expect to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. The specialist will ask questions about your life, medical history and how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They might also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.<br /><br />The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will examine 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 if or not you suffer from ADHD.<br /><br />Finding out that you have ADHD can be a struggle for many. This could be due to the stigma associated with the condition and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Certain groups of people may be subject to discrimination when they seek help for their symptoms, like women of color, people of color born at birth or non-native English speaking individuals.<br /><br />It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis because there is no test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the cause there are many who are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety. This can lead to significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as daily functioning.<br /><br />The NHS offers a Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS services You can choose to go to a different provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out about wait times, contact the service providers.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />ADHD sufferers have a number of treatment options. They include medication, psychosocial assistance, or both. The most appropriate option for each individual will be based on their specific needs and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve performance, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.<br /><br />A person with ADHD could also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment, such as making adjustments to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational setting. This is done under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.<br /><br />In addition to assessing for ADHD, the specialist will also look at whether there are any mental health conditions, which often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.<br /><br />If a specialist believes that the patient meets the criteria of ADHD They will then discuss the treatment options. Stimulants are the most common treatment, as they increase concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available as tablets or injections and can have both short and long-term effects.<br /><br />Other medications can be prescribed for side effects like eating disorders and sleep disturbances that are sometimes associated ADHD. Some people can also benefit from psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can help to treat depression or anxiety.<br /><br />GPs should be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment whenever required. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is the reason many opt for the private assessment route and can be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />The first step to getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness and they'll ask you why you believe you may have ADHD. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/">iampsychiatry</a> might also ask you to complete a screening tool to see if you're eligible for an appointment. After your GP accepts to refer you, you will be placed on the NHS waiting lists.<br /><br />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 some areas are struggling with keeping up.<br /><br />If you're worried about how long you'll need to wait, it could be beneficial to write a letter to your GP informing them of the reason you require an assessment. This will allow them be aware of the importance of the assessment and ensure that your request is followed up upon. Here you can download an example of an email from ADHD UK.<br /><br />Once you've been referred for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an appointment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the examination, they'll review your symptoms and look over your mental health history to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The assessment could last between 45 and 90 minutes and can be done in person or via video conference.<br /><br />If your GP recommends an NHS ADHD assessment and you are eligible, you could be eligible for medication through the NHS. This is only possible if your GP can refer you for an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway. Self-referral is a possibility if do not want to wait for a GP to refer you, or in the event that you don't have one.<br /><br />You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by searching their websites (except for those that do not offer the service) or contacting them.<br /><br />