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 not acceptable and must be addressed.<br /><br />You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete and your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will ensure that your consultation goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />If you are having trouble staying focused, calming down or controlling your emotions, it is worth consulting a doctor to determine if ADHD could be the problem. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain performs. But it's important to remember that there are other conditions that might be causing your problems and should be considered before you can be diagnosed with ADHD.<br /><br />Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you undergo an ADHD assessment. They will also ask you how long you've experienced the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then assess whether you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, called the DSM-5. They will also seek input from people who know you and consider the impact of your symptoms on your daily life.<br /><br />Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they'll be able tell fairly quickly whether you are eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not sure they'll conduct a thorough psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include examining other conditions that may be co-existent with ADHD and those that can lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.<br /><br />If you're having difficulty obtaining an ADHD assessment through the NHS, there are private providers who can provide assessments via video call. These providers are listed on our page Getting an ADHD Assessment. We recommend that you check the waiting times for each service before deciding on one. You can either ask your GP or call the service directly to determine how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is important to you, be sure they provide this service. Certain providers have agreements to offer this service with local NHS Trusts, so make sure to check with your GP about the arrangements in your area.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br /><br /><br />Ask your GP for a referral if you suspect you may have ADHD. It is important to know that GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD themselves. They can only provide information about your symptoms and request for the referral to an expert in mental health.<br /><br />You can be assessed by psychiatrists. The specialist will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history, in addition to asking you questions about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales.<br /><br />The process of assessment is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will examine your present symptoms and how they affected you as an infant. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. They will use these criteria to determine if or not you have ADHD.<br /><br />One of the biggest hurdles for those suffering from ADHD is obtaining a diagnosis. This could be due to the stigma that surrounds the condition, as well as a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals. In addition, individuals from certain groups, like people of color, a woman at birth or non-native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking treatment for their symptoms.<br /><br />It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis because there is no single test that can prove the presence of ADHD. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a different disorder, like depression or anxiety, but the root of the issue is ADHD. This can cause significant issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as in daily functioning.<br /><br />The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. If you are unhappy with the wait times at your local NHS services you can opt to visit another provider via the Right to Choose scheme. We have put together a list of providers that offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the wait times, contact the service providers.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial assistance or both. The best choice will be contingent on the individual's unique requirements and circumstances. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial assistance can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.<br /><br />A person suffering from ADHD could benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their environment for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in school or workplace environments. This can be done under the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.<br /><br />The doctor will not just assess for ADHD but also look for other comorbid conditions of the mental health, which can often be a part of or mimic ADHD in adults. This will be done by examining the symptom checklists and seeking feedback from individuals who are familiar with the person like family members and friends.<br /><br />If a doctor believes the person meets the criteria of ADHD They will then discuss the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment because they boost concentration and decrease the impulsiveness. They are available in tablets or injections, and can be used for both short- and long-term effects.<br /><br />Other medications may be prescribed to treat side effects, such as sleep disturbances and appetite loss which are often associated with ADHD. Some people also benefit from psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can assist to manage depression or anxiety.<br /><br />GPs are legally required to refer patients who have concerns about ADHD for an assessment and treatment. However <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/">how to get an adhd assessment uk</a> has a backlog of ADHD assessments which could take as long as eight years to get rid of according to an investigation by the BBC using FOI requests. This is an extended period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people choose to take the private assessment route since they can self-refer and have direct access to specialists.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />The first step in getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS is to visit your GP. Your concerns should be taken seriously, and they should ask you why you think you be suffering from ADHD. They might also ask you to fill out an assessment tool to determine whether you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP accepts to refer you, you will be added to the NHS waiting lists.<br /><br />In England The average waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment is two years. The demand for this service is the reason some areas are struggling with keeping up.<br /><br />If you are concerned about the length of time you will have to wait for an assessment you may consider writing a letter to your GP informing them of the information you require. This will help them understand the importance of the examination and ensure that your request is acted on. You can download an example letter from ADHD UK here.<br /><br />If you've been referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. During the examination they'll look at your symptoms and review your mental health background to rule out other medical conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They'll also talk about your lifestyle and how ADHD impacts your daily routine. The assessment will typically last 45-90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video call.<br /><br />You could be qualified for medication on the NHS in the event that your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. However it's only possible if you're able to receive an assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. If you do not have an GP who will agree to refer you, or you'd prefer to avoid the wait and wait for a referral, you can self-referral to a private health provider.<br /><br />You can also seek support from your local mental trust. You can find 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 by contacting their press offices.<br /><br />