How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and help you understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. The doctor should then refer you to 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 might be possible to obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to tell your GP how you believe you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you an expert to conduct an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of various methods and tools, including symptoms checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write a report using the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worthwhile looking for a different physician who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful tips on this subject.
In England, you have the legal right to decide which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you may end up waiting several years to receive a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice route. This is a new legal right which means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be sent to a private practitioner through this route.
If you choose to do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. However, the majority of doctors 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 the medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private practitioner that you like. Before 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 inform you if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD could be the cause of your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any 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 recommendations regarding support at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to starting. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, via emails or phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.
It could take for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organisation to which you are referred for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list and could make the process much quicker.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They'll then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.
The assessment will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. It is essential that the information collected is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children suffer from ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety of tests, such as brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK there are numerous organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which one is best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS however, it's important to know that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could help in resolving these issues. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be lengthy. getting assessed for adhd opt to pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must consider before your assessment. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able to get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits affect your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It opens the door to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.