How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and sometimes patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may be a better explanation for their problems for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you may have ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool prior to referring you to an expert for an evaluation. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples when requested.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ different methods and tools, including symptoms checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. They will take the information they get and create an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
You may find that some doctors aren't willing to refer you for an assessment or will not agree 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 advice about this on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to choose the location where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You may be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a long process, and you could wait for years before getting an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a legal right which allows you to request a referral to an outside provider when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If how do you get assessed for adhd decide to do this you must inform your GP must accept this, and must also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The specialist will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD, or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason behind your issue You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or work place. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any possible medication options and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your doctor and any fees are discussed prior to starting. The majority of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or phone calls.
3. Go for an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often, it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
It could take a while to get an assessment through the NHS. Ask your GP to discuss the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the company to which you're being referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much more efficient.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an in-depth description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation using the same set of questions. It is helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it's common for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The examination will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children suffer from ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This is an additional appointment that could include a range of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on where you live. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For example it can impact relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, because of a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their test. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve CBT or medication. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be referred to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is essential to ensure that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you 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. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and note down instances of instances where you've experienced these traits in your own life prior to going for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.