How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The wait lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their challenges better for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to access it. You'll have to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect you be suffering from ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and will require you to fill out some forms or a screening tool before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make a list of specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be ready to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD, and they will use a range of techniques and methods, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an account that is based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.
If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you to an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than the amount you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive a diagnosis. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" route. This is a legal right which permits you to request the referral of private providers if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to go this route the GP will need to approve and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed particularly because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private service of your choice. Prior to completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years older. The doctor will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or work. how to get an adhd assessment will then set up an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations related to support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any charges are discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment conducted by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organisation that you're referred to for your examination. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it's common for people's minds to be blank when talking about their own experience.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It's important that the information collected is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child has ADHD and they'll send you for a complete diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that could include a variety tests, such as brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
conversational tone prefer to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS, but it's important to understand that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The wait times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, as it will help determine what the best course of action for you is.
Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you must be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This process is typically faster than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
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 about the way these traits impact your life today. 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 transform your life. It opens the door to a variety of treatment options and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.