How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and there are times when people are diagnosed with different condition that could explain their challenges better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and listen to why you believe you might have ADHD. The GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should take this seriously, and they will request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening tool before they send you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of a variety of tools and techniques, such as symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will write an account that is based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary to begin treatment with medications.
If get adhd assessment discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different physician who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England, you have a legal right to choose where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can try to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different ways to receive an ADHD assessment. First, you can use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait several years to receive a diagnosis. You can also opt for the 'Right to choose option. This is a legal right which permits you to request the referral of a private provider when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to sign this agreement, your GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed particularly because they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private practitioner that you like. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or work. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations relating to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your doctor and any fees are discussed before starting. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You may have to wait a while to get an assessment from the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organisation that you're referred to for your evaluation. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with regularized questions. It is helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. record examples, since it's common for people's minds to go in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as precise and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety tests including brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people choose to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK there are a number of companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or you can speak to your GP about which one is best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's important to know that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example, it can affect relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can help to resolve these issues. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be long. Some people opt to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get a treatment plan together. This could include CBT or medication. It is something you must consider before your assessment. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually more efficient than the NHS route, but you must ensure whether your GP has an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you're tested for ADHD, your expert will ask you questions regarding your present and previous behaviours. 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 right now. Before you go to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down 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 a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.