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 lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you may be able to access it. You'll need to visit your GP and tell them why you think you might have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of different methods and tools, including symptoms checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary to begin treatment with medications.
If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for 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 website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to choose where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service isn't more than the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can try to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an appointment. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" route. This is a legal right that permits you to request the referral of private providers if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to go this route the GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires 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 are caused by ADHD, or not.
After the initial evaluation, if it is thought that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they'll typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is needed and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers will also provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an evaluation
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has had experience with the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organisation to whom you're referred for your examination. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation with standardised questions. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should write down examples, as it is common for people's minds to become completely blank when discussing their own experiences.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. adhd assessment for women will require accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety tests like brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people choose to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can check out a list of them here, or you can consult your GP about which option is best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that your health insurance may not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. Some people opt to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the best course of action for you is.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is essential to ensure that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD, your expert 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 inquire about how these traits affect your life today. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write down examples of the ways you have encountered these characteristics in your life before going for an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It opens the door to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.