How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and help you understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll have 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 will ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you specialists for an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples when requested.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviews with 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 they recommend, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with a medication.
There are a few GPs are not willing to refer you for an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England you are entitled under the law to choose the location where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You may be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.
2. Request a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years to get an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose' pathway. This is a legal option that allows you to request a referral to a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this, then your GP must accept this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private service you prefer. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. older. The doctor will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will typically send you home with 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 explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any medication options and, if determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations related to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your doctor and any charges are discussed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide assistance and advice for free between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
It could take for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the clinic to whom you're referred for your assessment. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process more efficient.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an extensive description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment with standardised questions. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's common for people's minds to go completely blank when discussing their own experiences.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with family members as well as teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information collected is as accurate and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment which could include a range of tests, such as brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD based on the area you reside. You can check out a list of them here, or you can consult your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in many areas of life such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The wait times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you is.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the situation, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of 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 route is often quicker than the NHS route, however it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics affect your life now. Before attending an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. how do i get an adhd assessment opens the door to many treatment options, and can give you a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.