How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to explain to your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to prepare a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will use different tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment based on the information they've received. Then, they will share their recommendations with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful advice about this on their website here.
In England it is your legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose option. This is a brand new legal right which means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be sent to a private practitioner via this route.
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 selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they lack expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The doctor will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance 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. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. Any fees will be agreed upon before beginning. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either via emails or short phone calls.
3. Go for an evaluation
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often, it's misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. Ask your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you're recommended. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and can make the process much more efficient.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and write down examples, as it's common for people's minds to be in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The test will also consist of a physical examination and interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. It's important that the information gathered is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most precise diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that could include a variety tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK there are numerous organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or speak to your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can help in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, because of how to get assessed for adhd in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay for their assessments privately. adhd assessment scotland allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK You may be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the situation you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS route, but you should check whether your GP has a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
Your expert will ask you 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 you about how these traits are affecting your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and record instances of how you have experienced these traits in your own life prior to making an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It opens the door to a variety of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.