How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS<br /><br />There are a lot of differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.<br /><br />Before your consultation, you will be sent pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will help to ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />If you're experiencing anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to control your emotions, then it might be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, an illness that affects the way the brain works. It is important to keep in mind that there are other conditions that might be causing your problems, and these need to be taken into consideration before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.<br /><br />When you attend an ADHD assessment, the specialist will start by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire about how long you've been experiencing the symptoms and how they impact your life. Then, they will determine if you meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will look at how your symptoms impact your daily life, as well as seeking feedback from those who know you.<br /><br />Psychiatrists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able tell you fairly quickly if you meet the criteria. If they're not sure they'll conduct a comprehensive psychiatric review and examine your other health problems. This will include looking at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD as well as the conditions that can cause a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as depression and anxiety.<br /><br />If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers can offer assessments via video calls. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the waiting times for each one prior to deciding on one. You can ask your GP about this, or call directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. Some providers also offer treatment following an assessment, therefore should this be a priority for you, then ensure that they offer this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this, so it is worthwhile to consult your GP to find out what the arrangements are in your area.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, you can inquire with your GP to refer you for an assessment. However, it's important to know that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves. They are able to relay your symptoms and ask for the referral to a mental health specialist.<br /><br />You can expect to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. This specialist will interview you about your life and medical background, in addition to asking questions about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They might also ask you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales.<br /><br />The process of assessing is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will look at your current symptoms as well as how they affected you as an infant. They will also consider comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They will utilize these criteria to determine whether or not you have ADHD.<br /><br />One of the most difficult things for those suffering from ADHD is getting a diagnosis. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition and a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, people belonging to certain groups, for instance those who are a person of color, a woman at birth, or are not native English speakers, can be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.<br /><br />It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis as there is no test that can establish the presence of ADHD. If ADHD is the root cause many people are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. This can cause significant difficulties in professional and personal relationships, as well as daily functioning.<br /><br />The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times for your local NHS services, you can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've compiled an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, get in touch with the providers.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These can include medication, psychosocial support or both. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/">I Am Psychiatry</a> for each individual will be based on their specific needs and situation. While medications can alleviate symptoms and improve functioning, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like depression or anxiety.<br /><br />A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a few adjustments to their surroundings, like changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational setting. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.<br /><br />The doctor will not just examine for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of the mental health, which may often accompany or mimic ADHD in adults. This is accomplished by looking through symptom checklists and asking for feedback from individuals who know the person like family members and friends.<br /><br />If a specialist believes that the patient is a candidate for ADHD they will go over the treatment options. The most commonly used treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They are available as tablets or injections, and can have both long-term and short-term effects.<br /><br />Other medications may be prescribed for side effects, such as insomnia and loss of appetite that are sometimes associated ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can assist to combat depressive or anxiety symptoms.<br /><br /><br /><br />GPs are legally obliged to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However, the NHS has a backlog of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to clear, according to the BBC's investigation, using FOI requests. This is a long amount of time to wait for a vital service, which is the reason many individuals opt for the private assessment route which allows them to be self-referred and get more direct access to specialists.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Visit your GP to receive an ADHD evaluation on the NHS. They'll be attentive to your concerns and ask you about the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. You might be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if your eligible to be seen. Once your GP has agreed to refer you, they will put you on the NHS waiting list.<br /><br />The average wait for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to the an enormous demand for this service, and many regions are struggling to keep up with it.<br /><br />If you're worried about the amount of time you have to wait for an assessment, you might want to write a note to your GP detailing what you require. This will help your GP understand the importance and urgency of the assessment and ensure that they will act on your request. Here you can download an example of the letter from ADHD UK.<br /><br />Once you've been referred for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the assessment they will review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They'll also discuss your daily routine and how ADHD affects your day-to-day life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or through a video conference.<br /><br />If your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment You may be eligible to receive medication through the NHS. This is only possible when your doctor can refer you for an assessment using 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.<br /><br />Alternately, you can seek help from your local mental health trust. You can find the list of NHS mental health trusts that offer ADHD assessments in your area by searching on the websites of individual Trusts (except those that do not provide services) or by contacting their press offices.<br /><br />