Adult ADHD Assessments in the NHS: The unspoken in-between

If you're an adult in the UK seeking an ADHD assessment through the NHS, you're likely familiar with the frustratingly long wait times (up to two years at the time of writing). Despite growing awareness and understanding of ADHD in adults, the journey to getting a proper diagnosis can be painfully slow.

Several factors appear to be contributing to the lengthy waiting times for adult ADHD assessments within the NHS:

1. Limited Specialists: There aren't enough trained professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments for adults. This shortage creates a bottleneck effect, slowing down the entire process.

2. Resource Allocation: The NHS faces a constant struggle with resource allocation. With numerous pressing health issues to tackle, mental health services, including ADHD assessments, often find themselves underfunded.

3. Increased Referrals: With more GPs recognising ADHD symptoms in adults and referring patients for assessments, the system is getting overwhelmed. Each referral adds to the growing queue, making the wait even longer.

But with more and and more people reaching for social media for support, between the TikToks of “Are you ADHD?” conversation starters and the post diagnosis experiences, is a group which is not often spoken about.

Those who sit in the middle. Where you have been referred by your GP and you now await an assessment on the NHS, which can often take months. Years, even.

Where you have the confirmation from your GP that they believe it is worth you being assessed (usually via a short questionnaire), they send over your referral and then….you wait.

The thing is, many are then left to sit with:

“Oh, so the GP thinks I might have ADHD too”.

“When I think about it, all those things I thought at school which felt a little different. Maybe that’s ADHD”.

“I wonder how my life up until now might have been different if I’d known earlier? Might I have achieved more"?”

“Wait, what if I haven’t got ADHD after all? What then? I’m just wasting everyone’s time.

And all these things can be challenging to sit with, in terms of mental health. Especially as they often rub up against many of the tendencies those who are diagnosed with ADHD experience.

So with more referrals being made every day, more people are left in the in-between with often very little support.

The good news is though that there are a couple of beacons of light which many people do not know about and can be often be accessed right away:

NHS “Right to Choose”

“If you are based in England under the NHS you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider and your choice of mental healthcare team. This important right means that, for instance, should you decide the waiting time for your ADHD assessment is too long, then you can choose alternative providers.  The provider must supply the service to the NHS somewhere in England” . - ADHD UK

This is a real godsend whereby if your local NHS waiting times are long, you can go seek another supplier of ADHD assessments and ask your GP to submit a ‘Right to Choose’ referral to the supplier of your choice. Waiting times can still be considerable, but recent supports suggest this route can considerably speed things up.

Access to Work Scheme

“Access To Work is a UK government programme that grants up to £62,900 per annum to support people with a physical or mental health condition or disability to take up or stay at work”. - ADHD UK

If your suspected ADHD diagnosis affects your working day in any way, the Access To Work Scheme could be worth looking at. The key thing here is, that you do not need a formal diagnosis to be able to apply, which could be perfect for those who are in the line, waiting for assessment.

Many people have received access to some great resources which have really made a difference and in particular, ADHD coaching, which as well as helping you navigate the aspects of work which can sometimes feel challenging, it is also packaged up with an understanding of ADHD, how the brain works, and other tools which can really impact all areas of your life.

But other than those two, what else can you do to maintain good mental health as you wait for that appointment to come through?

1. Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about ADHD in adults. ADHD UK can be a good place to start. Understanding the condition can help you identify coping strategies and communicate more effectively with your healthcare providers.

2. Support Groups: Google is your friend. Join online or local support groups. Sharing experiences and tips with others in the same boat can be incredibly comforting and informative.

3. Self-Care: All the regular stuff. Develop a routine that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. These lifestyle changes can significantly impact your overall well-being.

4. Mindfulness and Therapy: Techniques like mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other therapeutic approaches can help you develop better coping mechanisms. Speak to your GP about the options available.

5. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and any patterns you notice. This documentation will be invaluable when you finally see a specialist.

The wait for an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS can be long and arduous, but it’s a crucial step towards getting the support you need. By staying informed, managing your symptoms, and advocating for better services, you can make the most of this waiting period.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there are resources and communities ready to support you along the way.