How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be long, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You will need to visit your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to specialists for an evaluation. For adults, it's particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will use a variety of methods and tools, including checklists for symptom identification and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment that is based on the information they have received. They will then discuss their recommendations with you which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with medication.
You might find that some GPs are not willing to recommend you to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful advice on this topic.
In England you have a legal right to choose where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can try to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait years before getting a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice option. This is a brand new legal right that allows should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be referred to a private provider by this method.
If you opt to sign this agreement the GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private service that you like. Before you can complete the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. old. The specialist will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any options for medication and if it is found that the 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. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before starting. Most 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
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often, it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has had experience with the condition.
You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the wait time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the company to which you're recommended. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list and can make the process much quicker.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with standardised questions. It is helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's common for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children suffer from ADHD then he'll recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. assessed for adhd is an additional appointment that may include a variety tests including brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people choose to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK there are a number of organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private assessments are often quicker than relying on the NHS however it is important to know that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get this content can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact relationships and work. A clear diagnosis can help in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you must be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is important to check whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD, your expert will ask you questions about your past and present behaviours. 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. Before you go to an appointment, it is important to know 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 can be a life-changing event. It can result in various treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.