How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems for example, depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously, and they will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool before they send you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will use various methods and tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create a report using the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful advice on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would have to pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when 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 might be able try contacting 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. The first is to go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and you'll have to wait years to get a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose option. This is a legal option that permits you to request an appointment with a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to go this route the GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, the majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private provider of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or work place. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any medication options and, if decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or work. Any fees will be agreed upon before beginning. The majority of private providers provide assistance and advice for free between appointments by emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Get an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you are being referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experiences.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information collected is accurate and as 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 and they'll send you for a complete diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that could include a range of tests including brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to take a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK there are numerous companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here, or you can talk to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS however, it's important to understand that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For example it can impact your relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be long. Some individuals opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting a treatment plan together. This could involve CBT or medication. It is important to consider this prior to when you make your assessment as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you reside 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 examine your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with an individual mental health professional. This is usually more efficient than the NHS method, but you should check whether your GP has an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your past and present behaviors. 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. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and note down instances of how you have encountered these characteristics in your life before making an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. how do i get an adhd assessment can lead to various treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.