How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and there are times when people are diagnosed with other condition that may explain their challenges better for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll have to go to your GP and tell them why you suspect you be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you a specialist to conduct an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you as well as your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account that is based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
You might find that some doctors are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
In England, you are entitled under the law to choose the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. You can first go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer. It can be a lengthy process, and sometimes you may end up waiting several years to receive a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose' pathway. This is a brand new legal right that allows if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be referred to a private provider by this method.
If you choose to do this then your GP must agree to this, and must also sign a'shared care agreement' with the service provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you will then book an appointment with a private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason for your problems You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then arrange a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options and, if found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations relating to support at work or school will be discussed with your physician and any costs for this will be agreed prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
It could take a while to get an assessment through the NHS. Consult assessed for adhd to discuss the wait time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the organization to which you're recommended. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to note down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. It is essential that the information gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be a further appointment that could involve various tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD based on the area you reside. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however, it's important to understand that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you is.
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 should be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If assessed for adhd do not get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner.
Your doctor will ask questions about your past and current 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 now. Before going to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It can open up various treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.