How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and there are times when patients are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their issues better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to get it. You will need to visit your GP and explain how you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously, and they will require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should make an outline of specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they get and then write an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you to an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are 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 reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You may be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. Read Much more is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a long process, and you could wait for years before getting a diagnosis. You may also opt for the 'Right to Choose" option. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that 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 decide to sign this agreement the GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you can then book an appointment with a private service that you like. 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. The clinician will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the reason behind your issue In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. Then, how to get assessed for adhd -up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is necessary and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any costs for this will be agreed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support in between appointments through email or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Talk to your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you're recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and makes the process much faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The examination will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment that could involve various tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD based on where you live. You can check out a list of them here, or talk to your GP about which one would be best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example, it can affect work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put a treatment plan together. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when 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 live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to 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 then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This route is often quicker than the NHS route, however it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions regarding your present and previous behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and then write down examples of the ways you have encountered these characteristics in your life before scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open the doors to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.