12 Companies That Are Leading The Way In 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 not acceptable and must be addressed.
Before your consultation you will receive pre-screening questions to complete. Your psychiatrist will then look them over. This will ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and without the need for long appointments.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with restlessness and trouble concentrating or you are having trouble to control your emotions, then it may be worth seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. About 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD which is a neurodevelopmental issue that affects the way in which the brain functions. But it's important to remember that there are other conditions that might be causing your problems and they should be considered before you can be diagnosed as having ADHD.
When you attend an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire how long you've been suffering from the symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll then determine if you meet the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5. They will also ask for input from people who know you and consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD and, therefore, it's likely they will be able to quickly determine if you're eligible for a diagnosis. If they're not certain 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 as well as the conditions that can cause the wrong diagnosis of ADHD like depression and anxiety.
If you're having difficulty getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers can provide assessments through video calls. You can find the details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend that you check out the waiting times before you choose one. You can inquire with your GP about this, or you can contact directly to find out the current waiting times for an assessment. Some providers also provide treatment following an assessment, so should this be a priority for you then make sure that they do offer this service. Some providers have contracts with local NHS trusts to provide this service, so it's important to check with your GP to see what arrangements are available in your area.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you may ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. It's important to keep in mind that GPs can't diagnose ADHD They only relay symptoms and suggest for a referral to an expert.
You can expect to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. This specialist will ask you questions about your lifestyle, medical history and how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions or rating scales.
The process of assessment is guided by the guidelines laid out by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Your doctor will look at your current symptoms and how they affected you when you were in your early years. They will also consider the presence of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many. This can be because of the stigma associated with the condition, and the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. People from certain groups can also face discrimination if they seek help for their symptoms, such as people of color, women born at birth, or non-native English speaking people.
It isn't easy to obtain an accurate diagnosis since there is no test that can prove the presence of ADHD. When ADHD is the primary cause many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. This can cause issues in both personal and professional relationships, as well as day-to-day functioning.
The NHS offers a Right to Choose service for adult ADHD assessments. If you are dissatisfied 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 compiled the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments under this scheme. To find out the timeframes for waiting, contact the providers.
Treatment
Many treatment options are available to people suffering from ADHD. These include medication, psychosocial aid, or both. The best option will depend on the individual's specific requirements and circumstances. While medications can alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can help treat co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
A person with ADHD could also benefit from reasonable adjustments to their surroundings, like making changes to seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or educational setting. This is done under the supervision of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to assessing for ADHD, the specialist will also look at whether there are any comorbid 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.
If a specialist believes the person is in the right place for an ADHD diagnosis they will go over treatment options. The most common treatments are stimulants, which improve concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. These can be found in the form of tablets or injections, and they can have both short- and long-term effects.
Other medications may be prescribed to control adverse effects, like issues with sleep and loss of appetite, which are sometimes related to ADHD. Some people benefit from psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, which can aid to treat anxiety or depression.
GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously, and they are legally required to refer patients to an assessment and treatment if needed. However the NHS has an unfinished list of ADHD assessments that could take up to eight years to clear according to an investigation by the BBC using FOI requests. This is an extremely long period of waiting for a service that is essential. Many people choose to take the route of private assessment because they are able to self-refer and have direct access to specialists.
Support
The first step to getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS is to see your GP. They should consider your concerns seriously and ask you about what you think might cause you to be suffering from ADHD. They may also ask you to fill out a screening tool to see whether you're eligible for an appointment. After your GP agrees to refer you, you'll be added to the NHS waiting lists.
The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. The demand for this service is the reason why some areas are struggling with keeping up.
If you're concerned about how long you'll have to wait, it may be helpful to write a letter to your GP explaining why you need an assessment. This will help your doctor understand the importance and urgency of the test, and ensure that they act upon your request. You can download the sample letter from ADHD UK here.
Once you've been referred for an appointment, you'll be scheduled for an assessment with a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. During how much is an adhd assessment 'll discuss your symptoms and look over your mental health history to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause your symptoms related to ADHD. They will also discuss your lifestyle and how ADHD affects your daily life. The assessment could take between 45 to 90 minutes and can be done in person or via video call.
You may be eligible for medication on the NHS if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD Assessment. This is only possible when your doctor can recommend you for an assessment using the Right to Choose pathway. If you don't have an GP who is willing to refer you to them, or you'd like to cut down the waiting time, you can self-refer to a private health provider.
Alternately, you can seek help from your local mental health trust. You can determine which NHS mental health trusts in your area offer ADHD assessments by browsing their websites (except for those that do not run the service) or contacting them.