How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and understand why you believe you may have ADHD. The GP should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they send you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety techniques and methods, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you as well as your family members and others who know you well. They will review the information they receive and create an account. Then, they will share their recommendations with you which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary, you should begin treatment with a medication.
If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth looking for another GP who will 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 decide where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You may be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions about this here.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy process, and you'll have to wait several years to receive a diagnosis. You may also opt for the "Right to Choose" pathway. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you opt to sign this agreement the GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they do not have the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most cases, you'll be able to make an appointment with the private service of your choice. 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. of age. The doctor will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is required, your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations related to support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any charges for this will be discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
You might have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. If assess adhd worried about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organisation to which you are referred for your examination. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and could make the process much faster.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using regularized questions. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it is common for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experience.
The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety tests including brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are numerous organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than 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, for example work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go private and pay for their assessment 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 formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you is.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you must be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician.
Your specialist will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics affect your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and record instances of the ways you have encountered these characteristics in your life before making an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and may provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.