How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy and sometimes people are diagnosed with a different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and understand why you believe you may 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 access medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the effects 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 to a specialist to conduct an assessment. For adults, it will be especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use different tools and methods, 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. They will take the information they get and write an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with medication.
You may find that some doctors aren't willing to recommend you to an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You might be able try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips about this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on the location you reside in. First, you can use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years for an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice option. This is a brand new legal right that allows when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you decide to do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private provider you prefer. Before 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 doctor will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll typically send you some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity 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 for you. Any other recommendations relating to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your specialist and any charges for this will be agreed prior to beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Get an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
You may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organisation to which you are referred for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list and can make the process much more efficient.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be helpful to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. adhd assessment women is common for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. It is crucial that the information collected is as precise and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment that may include a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people decide to go private for their ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD according to the location you reside in. You can find a list here, or consult your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact your relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Due to the increasing number of people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. This is something to be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
If you are 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 inquire about how these traits impact your life now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and record instances of instances where you've experienced these traits in your life before making an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It can open up a variety of treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.