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 patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. The GP should then refer you the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to obtain medication if it's appropriate for you. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you a specialist for an evaluation. For adults, it is especially important to create an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your daily life, and be ready to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an account based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medication.
You may find that some GPs are not willing to make an appointment to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it's best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful advice on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to choose the place where you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the cost of the service isn't more than what you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG You can request 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 rules. You can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years for an answer. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose route. This is a legal right which permits you to request an appointment with private providers if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this then your GP must accept this, and must also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then be able to book an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
Following get an adhd assessment If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problems then they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any possible 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 regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments through email or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
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 best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
It could take for a while before you can receive an assessment through 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 gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you're referred for your assessment. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using regularized questions. It can be beneficial to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to go blank when talking about their own experiences.
The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that could include a variety of tests, such as brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people opt to take a private ADHD evaluation - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are get an adhd assessment of organizations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can find a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS, but it's important to know that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be CBT or medication. This is something to be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is usually more efficient than the NHS route, but you should check that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your specialist will ask questions regarding your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits affect your life today. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write down examples of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life prior to making an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing event. It can result in many treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.