How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and listen to why you think you may have ADHD. The GP should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You will need explain to your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety tools and approaches such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with medications.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you to an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth seeking out a different physician who is more accommodating. how to get assessed for adhd uk -UK's website has some useful advice on this topic.
In England it is your legal right to choose where you receive 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 the amount you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If why are adhd assessments so expensive are unable achieve progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips about this here.
2. Ask for a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years to receive a diagnosis. You may also opt for the 'Right to Choose" route. This is a legal option that allows you to request an appointment with private providers when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to sign this agreement, your GP will need to approve and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private practitioner you prefer. Prior to completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years of age. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any options for medication, and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations related to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any costs are discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done 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 that gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you are being referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an extensive account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using regularized questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. It is essential to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most precise diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child suffer from ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on where you live. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For instance it can impact relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to the rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessments privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could be medication or CBT therapy. This is something you should think about prior to your assessment. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often quicker than the NHS method, but you must ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and then write down examples of instances where you've encountered these characteristics in your life before making an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open up a variety of treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.