Don't Make This Silly Mistake With Your ADHD Assessment UK
How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
There are significant differences in the quality of adult ADHD assessment reports and assessments. This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete and your psychiatrist will go over prior to you meet. This will ensure that your consultation is run smoothly and without the need for extended appointments.
Symptoms
If you're having difficulty staying focused, calming down or managing your emotions, it's worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD may be the cause. Around 2.6m people in the UK suffer from ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way the brain functions. It is essential to keep in mind that other conditions could be causing problems for you. These need to be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms when you go for an ADHD assessment. They'll also want to know how long you have been suffering from these symptoms, and how they impact your life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will look at the ways in which your symptoms affect your daily functioning, as well as seeking input from those who know you.
Psychologists have a lot of experience diagnosing ADHD. They'll likely be able to tell you within a few minutes if you fit the criteria. If they are not sure they'll conduct an extensive psychiatric assessment and examine your other health issues. This includes looking at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD and the conditions that could lead to an undiagnosed case of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers are able to provide assessments via video call. The details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page and we suggest that you check out the waiting time before you select one. You can ask your GP or call the service directly to find out the time they are waiting for an assessment. If this is important to your needs, make sure that they provide this service. Some providers have contracts to provide this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP about the arrangements for your area.
Diagnosis
Request your GP for a referral if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and request for a referral to an expert.
When you attend your assessment, you can expect to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. The specialist will talk to you about your life and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales.
The process of assessing is based upon the guidelines developed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your specialist will take a look at your present symptoms and how they affected you as when you were a child. They will also look at comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many. This could be due to the stigma that surrounds the condition and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. In addition, people from certain groups, like those who are a person of colour, assigned female at birth or non-native English people, could be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms.
There is no test that can verify ADHD. If ADHD is the primary cause there are many who are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. This can lead to significant issues in personal and professional relationships and also with everyday functioning.
The NHS offers the Right to Choose Service for adult ADHD Assessments. This means that if you're dissatisfied with the waiting time at your local NHS service you can decide to see another provider through the Right to Choose scheme. We have compiled an inventory of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to find out their waiting times.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial aid or both. The best choice for each individual will depend on their individual needs and situation. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD could also benefit from making sensible adjustments to their environment like changing seating arrangements or reducing distracting factors in school or workplace environments. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD, the specialist will also look at whether there are any comorbid mental health issues that often occur in conjunction with or mimic ADHD in adults. This is done with the use of symptom checklists, and by asking those who are familiar with you to provide feedback.
If a doctor believes that a person meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss possible treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants that increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. They are available in the form of tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed for side effects like sleep disturbances and appetite loss which are often associated with ADHD. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs need to be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients to an assessment and treatment if needed. However, the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take eight years to eliminate according to the BBC's investigation through FOI requests. This is a long time to wait for a service that is essential. Many people choose to take the route of private assessment because they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. Your concerns should be considered seriously, and they should inquire why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They might request you to complete a screening tool to see whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once adhd assessment cost uk has accepted to refer you, they'll add you to the NHS waiting list.
In England the average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. This is because there is an overwhelming demand for the service and many regions are struggling to keep up with the demand.
If you are concerned about the length of time you will be waiting for an assessment You may want to write a note to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will allow your GP to understand the importance and urgency of the assessment and ensure that they act upon your request. Here is an example of an email from ADHD UK.
If you've been referred to a specialist for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During the evaluation they'll discuss your symptoms and look over your mental health history to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms of ADHD. They'll also discuss your lifestyle 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, you might be eligible for medication through the NHS. However, this will only be feasible if you're able receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. You can self-refer if you do not want to wait for an GP to refer you, or if you don’t have one.
Alternatively, you can get help from your local mental health trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your region offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that don't provide the service) or contacting them.