How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their challenges better, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and listen to why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to access medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to explain to your GP why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they send you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment that is based on the information they've received. They will then discuss their recommendations with you which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should be treated with medication.
You might find that some GPs are not willing to make an appointment for an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful information on this subject on their website here.
In England, it is your legal right to pick the location where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You may be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips regarding this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation, depending on the location you reside in. First, you can go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait several years to receive an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose option. This is a legal option that permits you to request an appointment with an outside provider in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to sign this agreement then your GP will need to approve and sign an "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, especially because they lack expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private service that you like. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD, or not.
After the initial assessment 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 workplace or school. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication, and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any fees will be discussed prior to starting. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder.
It could take a while to get an assessment from the NHS. Consult your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the company to which you're being referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much more efficient.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation using standardised questions. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's common for people's minds to go blank when talking about their own experiences.
The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child suffer from ADHD or other disorders, they will recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment that could involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are numerous companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in many areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. This is something you should consider before your evaluation. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you must be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will assess your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS method, but it is important to check that your GP will accept the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
If you are tested for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. find out this here will also ask about how these traits affect your life today. Before you go to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing event. It can result in a variety of treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.