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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS There is a huge difference in the quality of adult ADHD assessments and assessments. This is unacceptable and must be addressed. You will receive a pre-screening questionnaire to complete that your psychiatrist will review before you meet. This will help to ensure that your consultation runs smoothly and without the need for lengthy appointments. Signs and symptoms If you are struggling with anxiety and irritability or you are having trouble to manage your emotions then you should consider seeing a doctor to discuss whether ADHD could be the reason. About 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain functions. It is essential to be aware that other conditions could be causing you problems. These should be considered before you are diagnosed with ADHD. When you attend an ADHD assessment, your therapist will begin by asking about the symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also want to know how long you have been experiencing these symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They will then determine if you meet the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also seek feedback from those who know you and look at the impact of your symptoms on your daily life. Psychiatrists are expert in diagnosing ADHD, so it's likely they will be able to tell fairly quickly whether you meet the criteria for diagnosis. If they're not certain, they'll do a full psychiatric review and examine your other health issues. This will include looking at other conditions that could coexist with ADHD and also those that could lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression. If you're struggling to get an ADHD assessment from the NHS private providers can provide assessments via video call. You can find details of these providers on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page We recommend to look over the waiting times before you select one. You can either ask your GP or contact the provider directly to learn how long they are currently waiting for an assessment. If this is crucial to you, make sure they provide this service. Some providers have agreements with local NHS trusts to offer this, so it is important to check with your GP to determine what arrangements are available in your area. Diagnosis Ask your GP for a referral If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that GPs can't diagnose ADHD – they only relay symptoms and suggest a referral to an expert. You can anticipate to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as asking you questions about how ADHD symptoms affect your life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. The process of assessment is based upon the guidelines set 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 take into account other comorbidities, like anxiety and depression. These criteria will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle for many. This can be due to the stigma that is associated with the condition, as well as the lack of awareness among health professionals. In addition, individuals from certain groups, like people of color, assigned a female at birth or non-native English speakers, may be discriminated against when seeking help for their symptoms. It can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis because there isn't a single test that can confirm the presence of ADHD. Many people are diagnosed with different condition, such as depression or anxiety, but the underlying problem is ADHD. This can result in significant issues with personal and professional relationships and also with day-to-day functioning. The NHS offers the Right to Choose service for adult ADHD evaluations. If you are dissatisfied with the wait times at your local NHS services, you can choose to go to another service through the Right to Choose scheme. We've put together the list of providers who offer ADHD assessments through this scheme. It is recommended to contact the provider directly to find out their waiting times. Treatment A number of treatment options are available for those suffering from ADHD. They include medication, psychosocial support, or both. The best choice will depend on the individual's unique needs and circumstances. While medication can help alleviate symptoms and help improve functioning, psychosocial support can address coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression. Someone with ADHD can also benefit from making reasonable adjustments to their surroundings for example, changing seating arrangements or reducing distractions in the workplace or education environments. This can be done under the guidance of a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. The specialist will not only look for ADHD but also look for comorbid conditions of mental health which may often be a part of or mimic ADHD among adults. This is accomplished by looking through symptoms checklists and soliciting feedback from individuals who know the person well, such as family members and friends. If a doctor believes the person is a candidate for ADHD they will go over the options for treatment. Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment since they improve concentration and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. They are available in pills or injections and may have both long-term and short-term effects. Other medications are prescribed to control negative side effects, including issues with sleep and loss of appetite that are often associated with ADHD. Certain individuals may also benefit from psychosocial treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, which can help deal with depression or anxiety symptoms. GPs should be aware of any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are legally bound to refer patients for an assessment and treatment if needed. According to the BBC the backlog of ADHD assessments could take up to eight years to clear. This is a substantial amount of time to wait for an essential service, which is why many individuals opt for the private assessment option and can be self-referred and have more direct access to specialists. Support Visit your GP to obtain an ADHD assessment on NHS. They'll consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain what you think might cause you to have ADHD. You may be asked to take a screening test to determine if you're eligible for an appointment. Once your GP has accepted to refer you, they'll put you on the NHS waiting list. The average wait time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in England is two years. This is due to the a high demand for the service, and many areas are struggling to keep pace with the demand. If you're concerned about how long you'll need to wait, it could be helpful to write an email 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 take action upon your request. Here is a sample of an email from ADHD UK. Once you've been referred, a psychologist or psychiatrist will invite you for an assessment. 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 talk about your lifestyle, and how ADHD impacts your daily life. more resources can take between 45 and 90 minutes and be conducted either in person or via video calls. You could be qualified for medication on the NHS if your GP refers to you for an NHS ADHD Assessment. This is only possible when your doctor can recommend you for an assessment via 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 in the event that you don't have one. 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.