How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. Waiting lists can be long and, in some cases, patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their challenges better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to obtain it. You will need to see your GP and tell them why you think you might have ADHD and what impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you to an expert for an evaluation. For adults, it is particularly important to prepare an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ a variety of tools and methods, including checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create an account based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should be treated with a medication.
If you discover that your GP is not willing to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to choose which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you may end up waiting years before getting an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a legal right which permits you to request an appointment with a private provider when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this, your GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then book an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the cause of your problem In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is necessary then your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions regarding support at school or work. Any costs will be agreed upon before beginning. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via email or phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. visit the following site to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You might have to wait a while to get an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organization to whom you're referred for your assessment. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list and can make the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it is common for people's minds to go completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment that could involve a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here, or you can consult your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For example it can impact work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some individuals opt to go private and pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid 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 include medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the best option for you will be.
You could 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 taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will assess your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with an individual mental health professional. This is typically quicker than the NHS option, however you should ensure whether your doctor has signed an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD, your expert will ask you 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 you go to an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with 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 open 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 fulfilling life.