How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their challenges better like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to access it. You'll need to visit your GP and explain why you suspect that you may have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it is especially important to create an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety of tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with 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 their recommendation is, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the cost of the service isn't more than what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips regarding this here.
2. Request a reference
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a lengthy process and you may need to wait for years for a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right of Choice route. This is a legal option that allows you to request an appointment with private providers when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to do this you must inform your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. Prior to completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. older. The specialist will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD, or not.
If how to get an adhd assessment is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. They will then arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is required and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your specialist and any costs are discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments by email or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often, it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
It could take a while to get an assessment from the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the clinic that you're referred to for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. It is crucial to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can give you the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD and they'll send you for a complete diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include various tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK there are numerous organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For instance it can impact relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be treatment with medication or CBT. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you is.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often quicker than the NHS option, however you must ensure that your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about the way these traits impact your daily life. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and then write down examples of instances where you've encountered these characteristics in your life before going for an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It can open up many treatment options and provide an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.