How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with different condition that could explain their issues better for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you might be able to get it. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you specialists for an assessment. Adults should make a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when requested.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ various tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write a report that is based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you to an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to choose where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can attempt to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. First, you can go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you could wait for years before getting a diagnosis. You can also use the "Right to choose" route. This is a legal option that allows you to request a referral to a private 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, your GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they lack the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider of your choice. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years older. The doctor will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be due to ADHD, or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. Then, they'll schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any options for medication and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any costs for this will be 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 can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Talk to your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you are referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process faster.
When you go for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect a detailed description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation with standardised questions. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and write down examples, as it is common for people's minds to be in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. adhd assessment uk online that the information gathered is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that could include a variety tests, such as brain images and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD based on the area you reside. You can find a list here, or speak to your GP about which option would be best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in many areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, due to a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get a treatment plan together. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and determine 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 is often faster than the NHS method, but you should ensure whether your doctor has signed the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your past and current 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 now. Before going to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can open up various treatments and offer a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.