How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and listen to why you think you may have ADHD. The GP will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to obtain it. You will need to see your GP and explain how you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you as well as your family members and others who know you well. They will take the information they receive and write a report. Then, they will discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with medication.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to recommend you to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful advice on this topic.
In England you are entitled under the law to choose where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can attempt to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this.
2. Request a reference
There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to recommend you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years to receive an answer. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal option that allows you to request a referral to private providers if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this, then your GP must agree to this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD could be the cause of your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. Then they will arrange an appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is needed and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for support at school or work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before starting. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organization that you're referred to for your examination. getting an adhd assessment uk allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and makes the process much more efficient.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an extensive account of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with regularized questions. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. It's important that the information collected is as accurate and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety of tests, such as brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to go private for their ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD according to where you live. You can check out a list of them here, or you can consult your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. This is something you should think about prior to your assessment. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the situation you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This route is often quicker than the NHS route, however it is important to check whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits impact your life today. Before going to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the doors to a variety of treatment options and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.