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 sometimes people are diagnosed with other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you could be able to get it. You'll need to go to your GP and explain how you suspect you have ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you a specialist to conduct an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety of methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment using the information they have received. Then, they will share their recommendations with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should start treatment with a medication.
If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you to an assessment or refuses to 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 offers some useful advice about this on their website here.
In England, you have a legal right to decide which GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance in 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 might be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. First, you can use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years for an answer. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose route. This is a legal option that allows you to request an appointment with a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to sign this agreement, your GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private provider 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. The doctor will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If more info is found that ADHD may be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be 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 for you. Any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any fees are discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments through email or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
It could take for a long time to receive 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 option of choosing the clinic that you're referred to for your examination. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. adhd assessment uk will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using standardised questions. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. adhd assessment uk is a follow-up appointment that could involve a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD, depending on where you live. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For instance, it can affect relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Due to the increasing number of people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The waiting times for assessments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay for their test privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. This is something you should think about prior to your assessment. It will help you decide the best course of treatment for you.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the situation you'll be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often faster than the NHS option, however you should check whether your GP has the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviours. 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. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record instances of instances where you've encountered these characteristics in your own life prior to going for an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and can give you a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.