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 long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to access it. You'll need to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect you have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert for an evaluation. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ various tools and methods, including symptom checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family members, and others who know you well. They will consider the information they get and create a report. Then, they will share their recommendations with you which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate, you should begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different physician who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great tips on this issue on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose where you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service isn't more than the amount you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're unable to make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in 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 guidelines. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible ways to get an ADHD assessment. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years for a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of private providers when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. However, most doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private practitioner you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. They will then arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any 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. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for support at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before starting. The majority of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either via email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you are referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation using the same set of questions. It is helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and note down your experiences, as it is common for people's minds to go blank when talking about their own experiences.
The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete information to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This is an additional appointment which could include a variety of tests like brain images and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD based on where you live. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that your health insurance may not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For how to get an assessment for adhd , it can affect relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. how to get adhd assessment opt to go private and pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get an effective treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best option for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS method, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
Your expert will ask you questions about your past and present behaviours. 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. Before you go to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing event. It opens the door to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.