How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to visit your GP and explain why you suspect that you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety of methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you as well as your family members and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they get and then write an account. They will then discuss their recommendations with you which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate, you should begin treatment with a medication.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to recommend you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that 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 are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an answer. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to go this route, your GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors 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 be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. Prior to completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. older. The clinician will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation, if it is thought that ADHD may 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 explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any options for medication, and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be agreed upon before beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments through email or phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you are recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment with the same set of questions. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and write down examples, as it's common for people's minds to go in a blank space when discussing their own experiences.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child has ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment and may involve several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD according to the area you reside. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. assess adhd are often quicker than relying on the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact your relationships and work. A clear diagnosis can aid in resolving these issues. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the best course of action for you will be.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the situation you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
Your doctor 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 inquire about how these traits affect your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of the ways you have been affected by these traits in your own life prior to scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It opens the door to a variety of treatment options and can provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.