How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and sometimes people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to obtain it. You'll need to go to your GP and explain how you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will require you to fill out some forms or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of tools and approaches such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. They will review the information they receive and then write an account. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should start treatment with a medication.
If get adhd assessment discover that your GP is not willing to refer you to an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great advice about this on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to achieve progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a long process and you may have to wait for years for a diagnosis. You can also use the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a new legal right that allows if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be referred to a private provider through this route.
If you choose to do this then your GP will need to approve and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private provider of your choice. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. older. The doctor will then give you a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD, or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root reason for your problems You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or work place. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options, and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or work. The cost of any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide assistance and advice for free between appointments via email or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You might have to wait a while to get an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the clinic that you're referred to for your examination. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an in-depth description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It is crucial that the information collected is as accurate and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that could include a range of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK there are numerous companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than those conducted through the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with an individual mental health professional. This route is often quicker than the NHS method, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. Before going to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open up various treatment options and provide an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.