How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are a lot of differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports 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 go over them. This will ensure that your consultation is run smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments.
Symptoms
If you're experiencing restlessness and trouble concentrating or are finding it difficult to control your emotions, then it may be worth visiting a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the cause. About 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way that the brain functions. However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other issues that could be causing your difficulties and they should be considered before you are able to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms when you visit for an ADHD assessment. They will also inquire about how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they affect your life. Then, they will determine if you meet the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also ask for feedback from those who know you and consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and it's highly likely that they will be able to quickly determine if you meet the criteria for an assessment. If they're not sure they'll take an extensive psychiatric assessment and look at your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions which can coexist with ADHD and also those that could lead to the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
However, if you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can offer assessments through a video call. 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 consult your GP or contact the provider directly to find out the length of time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, be sure they offer this service. Certain providers have agreements to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so be sure to check with your GP regarding the arrangements in your area.
visit the up coming site can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs are not able to diagnose ADHD themselves. They are able to provide information about your symptoms and request for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
When you attend your assessment, you are likely to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your life and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms affect your life. They might also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales.
The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will assess your current symptoms and how they affected you as a child. They will also take into consideration comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many. This could be due to the stigma associated with the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, people who belong to certain groups, for instance those who are of color, a woman at birth, or are not native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis because there is no single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can result in significant issues in personal and professional relationships and also with day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS services you can opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together an inventory of the providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. You should contact the providers directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
ADHD sufferers have a variety of treatment options. These can include psychosocial support, medication or both. The best option will depend on the individual's particular needs and circumstances. Medicines can ease symptoms and improve performance, while psychosocial therapy can address any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a few adjustments to their environment, for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational settings. This can be done with the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
The doctor will not just look for ADHD but also look for comorbidities of the mental health, which often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This will be accomplished through the use of symptom checklists and also by asking those who know you well to give feedback.
If a doctor believes the person meets the criteria of ADHD, they will discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most common treatment since they improve concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They can be found in tablets or injections. They can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications can be prescribed for side effects, such as eating disorders and sleep disturbances that can be a result of ADHD. Some people may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help manage underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms.
GPs are legally obliged to refer patients with concerns regarding ADHD to an assessment and treatment. However, the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to get rid of, according to the BBC's investigation by submitting FOI requests. This is an extended time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people choose to go the route of private assessment because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step in getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be treated with seriousness, and they should ask you why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You may be asked to complete an assessment test to determine if you are eligible to be seen. Once your GP agrees to refer you, you will 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 an overwhelming demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with the demand.
If you're worried about how long you'll have to wait, it might be helpful to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your doctor be aware of the importance and urgency of the assessment, and ensure that they act upon your request. You can download a sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred to a specialist, you'll be referred to an appointment with an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. In the course of the assessment, they'll review your symptoms and examine any mental health history that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They will also discuss your lifestyle, and how ADHD impacts your daily life. The test will typically last 45-90 minutes and may be conducted in person or through a video conference.
You could be eligible for medication on the NHS in the event that your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However this is only feasible if you're able get an assessment through 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 if you don’t have one.
Alternatively, you can seek help from your local mental health trust. You can find out which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that don't run the service) or by contacting them.