How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their issues better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may have 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 could be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll have to see your GP and explain how you suspect you have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to specialists to conduct an assessment. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when requested.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will use various tools and methods, including checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family, and others who know you well. They will consider the information they gather and then write 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 appropriate to begin treatment with medication.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to refer you to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different ways to receive an ADHD assessment. First, you can take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait years for an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right to Choose route. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of private providers when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to go this route the GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most cases you can make an appointment with a private service that you like. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason behind your issue, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any fees will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Consult your GP to discuss the wait time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the company to which you're being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. Click That Link will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a second appointment that could involve a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people choose to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD based on where you live. You can look up a list here, or speak to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For example, it can affect relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go private and pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting an effective 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 best option for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This process is typically faster than the NHS pathway, but it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. Before attending an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the doors to a variety of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.