How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and some people are diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you could be able to access it. You'll have to go to your GP and tell them why you think you might have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and other people who know you well. They will review the information they get and create an account. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England, you have a legal right to choose which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than the NHS directly. If you're 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 live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You may be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different ways to get an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and you'll have to wait years before getting a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a legal option that allows you to request the referral of private providers if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to sign this agreement, your GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately due to the fact that they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most cases you can then make an appointment with a private practitioner you prefer. Before you can complete the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. old. The clinician will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will typically send you an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is required then your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations related to support at work or school will be discussed with your doctor and any fees are discussed before starting. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments through email or phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If getting assessed for adhd worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organization to which you are referred for your assessment. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It's important that the information gathered is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD then he'll refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This is an additional appointment that could include a range of tests like psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people choose to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD based on the area you reside. You can check out a list of them here, or talk to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact relationships and work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. find out this here choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is something you must consider before your assessment. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK, you may be able to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
When you're tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your current and past behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits affect your life now. Before going to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar 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 the door to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.