How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. Waiting lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their issues better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you may have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to access it. You'll need to see your GP and explain why you suspect that you may have ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you specialists for an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviews with you, your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account that is based on the information they've received. Then, they will share their recommendations with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth seeking out a different GP who will be more accommodating. link web page -UK has some great advice about this on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to choose the location where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost 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 regulations. You may be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you may end up waiting years to get an appointment. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" option. This is a legal option that permits you to request the referral of a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
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've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they lack the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The specialist will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is necessary, your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. link web page will also discuss other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be agreed upon before beginning. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments by emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
It could take for a while before you can receive an assessment through the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you are recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an in-depth description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment using standardised questions. It is helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. note down your experiences, as 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 teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child have ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people decide to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD according to the location you reside in. You can check out a list of them here, or consult your GP about which option is best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than those conducted through the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For example it can impact relationships and work. 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 lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an effective treatment plan. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. This is something to consider before your evaluation. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the case you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often quicker than the NHS route, but you should check whether your doctor has signed an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor 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 now. Before you go to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It opens the door to a variety of treatment options and can give you an understanding of oneself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.