How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and help you understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. The GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make a list of specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviews with you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an account that is based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.
There are a few GPs are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful advice about this on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to choose which GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and doesn't cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You might be able try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait several years to receive an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right to choose route. This is a legal right that permits you to request a referral to an outside provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this, then your GP must be in agreement with this, and also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the reason for your problems In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or work place. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is necessary and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions for support at school or work. Any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either via emails or short phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the clinic to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down some examples and become familiar with 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 family members, teachers, members and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete data to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children suffer from ADHD then he'll recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This is a second appointment that could involve various tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. his comment is here is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private assessments can be quicker than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the best course of treatment for you.
You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is often quicker than the NHS method, but you must ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behavior. 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 now. Before you go to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open the door to a variety of treatment options and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.
