How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you might be able to get it. You'll have to go to your GP and tell them why you suspect you be suffering from ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously, and they will ask you to fill in several questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will make use of a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family, and others who know you very well. They will consider the information they gather and then write an account. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate, you should begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth looking for another 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 that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS and the price of the service isn't more than what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You might be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions about this here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right to choose option. This is a legal right which permits you to request an appointment with an outside provider 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 healthcare provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you'll 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) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options, and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations regarding support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any charges for this will be agreed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either via email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
It could take for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the organisation to which you are referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and makes the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children suffer from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment that may include various tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are numerous companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS, but it's important to know that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in different areas of life, for example relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing 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 bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to get a treatment plan together. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
You could 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 should be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually quicker than the NHS option, however you must ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask you questions about your past and present behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. how to get an adhd assessment will also ask about the way these traits impact your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to note down instances of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life prior to going for an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can result in many treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.