How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and there are times when patients are diagnosed with a different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with 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 obtain it. You will need to visit your GP and explain why you think you might have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. They will take the information they gather and create an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medication.
You may find that some GPs are not willing to refer you to an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it's best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful information on this subject on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help 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 access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice regarding this.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. First, you can take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. adhd assessment uk online is a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years to receive an appointment. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be referred to a private provider through this route.
If you opt to sign this agreement, your GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most cases, you will then be able to schedule an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will carry out 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 think that your symptoms could be due to ADHD, or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any possible medication options 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. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.
3. Go for an evaluation
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment conducted by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organisation that you're referred to for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will also consist of a physical examination and interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete data to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that could include a range of tests, such as brain images and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD based on the area you reside. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in different areas of life like relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Unfortunately, because of a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to go private and pay for their test privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
You may be eligible for 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 an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician who will assess your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. Before attending an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can result in a variety of treatment options and provide an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.