How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their challenges better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to tell your GP why you believe you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you an expert for an evaluation. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they get and write an account. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medications.
There are a few doctors aren't willing to recommend you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it's best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to pick the location where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the cost of the service is not more than the amount you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait years for an appointment. You can also use the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a new legal right that means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be sent to a private practitioner through this route.
If you choose to do this, your GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they lack expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In website link of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private practitioner of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The specialist will then give you an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD, or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any options for medication, and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for support at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments through email or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often, it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the organization to which you are being referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with regularized questions. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it is common for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experiences.
The assessment will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children have ADHD then he'll recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be a further appointment that could involve several tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people choose to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK there are many organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or you can speak to your GP about which one is best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The wait times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their test privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case you'll be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often more efficient than the NHS option, however you should check whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask you questions about your current and past behaviours. 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 useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and to record instances of instances where you've been affected by these traits in your life before going for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It opens the door to many treatment options, and can provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.