How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll have to see your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and may request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening tool before they send you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when requested.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an account using the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medications.
If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth seeking out a different GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
In England you are entitled under the law to decide which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can try to get access to services through Right to Choose. how to get a adhd assessment provides some advice regarding this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. First, you can use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy process and you may need to wait years for an answer. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose option. This is a 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 choose to do this you must inform your GP must agree to this, and also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you will then book an appointment with a private practitioner you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will then give you an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be due to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will typically send you an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will give you 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. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for support at school or at work. Any costs will be discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.
You may have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the company to which you're recommended. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process faster.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition 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's common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is as precise and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can give you the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This is an additional appointment that could include a range of tests, such as brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to have a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD according to the area you reside. You can check out a list of them here, or consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these issues. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be long. Some individuals opt to pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to get an effective treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, because it will help you determine what the best option for you is.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you must be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually quicker than the NHS method, but you should check that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your expert will ask you questions regarding your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about the way these traits impact your daily life. Before you go to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing event. It can open up various treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.