How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. The GP should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you could be able to obtain it. You will need explain to your GP what you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment using the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is and it could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
There are a few doctors aren't willing to make an appointment for an assessment or will not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it's best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
In England, you have the legal right to decide the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can try to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait years to get an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice option. This is a legal right that permits you to request an appointment with an outside provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to do this the GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then be able to book an appointment with the private provider of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will then give you an accurate indication of whether they think that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity 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. Any other recommendations regarding support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any fees for this will be agreed before starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and assistance between appointments by email or phone calls.
3. Take getting an adhd assessment uk of an evaluation
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
You may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. Ask your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organization to which you're recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much quicker.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation using regularized questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It's important that the information gathered is as precise and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment that may include a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD according to where you live. You can check out a list of them here, or you can talk to your GP about which option would be best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS however, it's crucial to be aware that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass 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 be medication or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available if 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 important to check that your GP will accept an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner.
If you are tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behavior. 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 right now. Before attending an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It opens the door to many treatment options, and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.