How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll have to see your GP and explain why you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples when requested.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create a report using 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 a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
In England, you have the legal right to decide which GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You might be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. You can first go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive a diagnosis. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice option. This is a legal right that allows you to request a referral to an outside provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this the GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed particularly because they lack expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private service you prefer. Prior to completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years of age. The specialist will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD may be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or work place. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations regarding support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any fees for this will be discussed prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
It could take a while to get an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice', a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the clinic to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and makes the process much more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require precise and complete information in order to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. adhd self assessment test is an additional appointment which could include a range of tests including brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where you reside in the UK there are many companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than using the NHS. However visit the following website will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in different areas of life, for example work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease 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 go private and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to get an effective treatment plan. This could include treatment with medication or CBT. This is something to consider before your evaluation. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you must be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
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 inquire about how these traits affect your daily life. Before you go 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and can provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.