How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their issues better for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will 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 consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may request you to complete some forms or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you as well as your family members and others who know you well. They will take the information they get and write an assessment report. Then, they will discuss their recommendation with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate, you should begin treatment with a medication.
You might find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great advice about this on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can attempt to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Request a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the location you reside in. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This can be a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years for a diagnosis. adhd assessment for women can also use the 'Right to Choose" route. 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 ask 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 also sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. However, the majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private service you prefer. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. old. The specialist will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the reason behind your issue You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is needed, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions for support at school or work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments by email or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you're referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process faster.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It is crucial to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has 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 range of tests like psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people choose to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on where you live. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For instance, it can affect relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis could help in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, since it will help you decide what the most effective course of action for you will be.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you must be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will assess your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics affect your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and then record instances of how you have been affected by these traits in your own life prior to scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can result in many treatment options and provide an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.