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, in some cases, patients are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their issues better, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The GP will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to obtain it. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may ask you to fill in several questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it is 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 provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of different tools and methods, including checklists for symptom identification and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment using the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate to begin treatment with medication.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to make an appointment to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful advice 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, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost you more than 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 reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you'll have to wait years before getting an appointment. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" option. This is a brand new legal right that means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be referred to a private provider via this route.
If you decide to do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to make an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they will usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or workplace. They will then set up an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any possible medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any costs will be agreed upon before beginning. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has had experience with the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organization to which you're recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process faster.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect a detailed history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with regularized questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.
The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment and may involve various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are many organizations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can check out a list of them here, or talk to your GP about which one would be best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on 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 problems in a variety of areas. For instance, it can affect work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could aid in resolving these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their assessment. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If read article don't receive an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. how to get assessed for adhd is usually faster than the NHS route, however it is essential to ensure that your GP will accept the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
Your specialist 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 inquire about the way these traits impact your life today. Before attending an appointment, it is important to know 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 could be a life-changing experience. It can open up various treatment options and provide an increased sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.