How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues like depression or anxiety.
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 receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you may have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP must take this seriously, and they will require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD, and they will use a range of methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an account using the information they've received. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with medication.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worthwhile looking for a different physician who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
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 cost of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You might be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. First, you can use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This is a lengthy process and you may have to wait years for an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right to Choose route. This is a new legal right which means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you decide to go this route, your GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is required then your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any charges are discussed before starting. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by emails or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. Ask your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organisation to whom you are being referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much more efficient.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will also consist of a physical examination and interviews with family members teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will require precise and complete information in order to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD then he'll recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be a further appointment that may include various tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a list here, or consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however it is important to know that your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring 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 bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create 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 determine the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
getting an adhd assessment uk -referral is an option in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It can lead to a variety of treatments and offer a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.