How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
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 better explain their difficulties, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you might be able to access it. You'll need to tell your GP why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviews with you as well as your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment using the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate to begin treatment with a medication.
You may find that some doctors aren't willing to make an appointment for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to receive 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 is a lengthy process and you may have to wait years for an answer. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal option that permits you to request an appointment with a private provider when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to go this route then your GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not 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 service that you like. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The doctor will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will typically send you an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options and, if decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be discussed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often, it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the organization to whom you're referred for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and makes the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. They will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. record examples, since it's common for people's minds to go completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment that may include a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people choose to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK, there are numerous organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life such as work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. It is crucial to think about this before you make your assessment as it will help determine what the best course of action for you will be.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you should be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will examine your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This route is often quicker than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner.
When iampsychiatry.com are assessed for ADHD the doctor will ask you questions regarding your present and previous behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life right now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and then record instances of how you have experienced these traits in your life before making an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can open up many treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.
