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 some people are diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to access it. You'll need to see your GP and explain how you suspect you have ADHD and what impact it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will ask you to fill in some forms 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 give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will make use of different tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and other people who know you well. They will review the information they get and write an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you 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 It could be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful advice on this topic.
In England, you have a legal right to decide where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. adhd assessment can try to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years to receive a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a brand new legal right that allows if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be sent to a private practitioner through this route.
If you decide to do this, then your GP must accept this, and also sign a'shared care agreement' with the healthcare provider you have chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then give you an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be due to ADHD, or not.
After the initial evaluation, if it is thought that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they'll usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. They will then arrange a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss medication options. If it is determined that medication is required then your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations relating to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your doctor and any costs for this will be agreed before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments via email or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often, it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the clinic to whom you're referred for your assessment. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children suffer from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be a further appointment and may involve several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to take a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK there are many companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here, or speak to your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example, it can affect work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be long. Some individuals opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must think about prior to your assessment. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is often faster than the NHS method, but you should ensure whether your GP has a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD the doctor will ask you questions about your current and past 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. Before you go to an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. assessed for adhd can open up many treatments and offer an improved sense of self-confidence for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.