How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and some people are diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and consider the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and will request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they get and then write an assessment report. They will then discuss their recommendations with you which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should start treatment with a medication.
You may find that some GPs are not willing to recommend you to an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great information on this subject on their website here.
In England, you have a legal right to choose where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost you more than the NHS directly. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in submitting 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 guidance. You can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This could be a long procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an appointment. You can also use the 'Right to Choose" route. This is a legal right which allows you to request a referral to an outside provider in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this, then your GP must accept this, and must also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed particularly because they do not have the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most cases, you will then be able to book an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root reason behind your issue, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or work place. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is needed, your GP will then be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment conducted 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 times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organization that you're referred to for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much quicker.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety tests including psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in different areas of life, for example work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
If get adhd assessment 've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
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 need to be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
If you are tested for ADHD the doctor will ask 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 characteristics affect your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to record instances of instances where you've encountered these characteristics in your life prior to going for an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It can result in various treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.