How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will 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 might be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. assessment adhd will need to visit your GP and explain why you suspect you have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool prior to referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD signs and symptoms they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will make use of a variety of tools and techniques, such as symptom checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you well. They will review the information they gather and create an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth looking for another doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful advice about this on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You may be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. First, you can take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait years for a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose option. This is a brand new legal right which 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 decide to do this then your GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private provider of your choice. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. old. The clinician will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the root reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any possible medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and assistance between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization that you're referred to for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment using regularized questions. It can be helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's common for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experiences.
The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is accurate and as complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a second appointment that may include a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD according to where you live. You can check out a list of them here, or you can speak to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For instance, it can affect relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these problems. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could include treatment with medication or CBT. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the most effective course of action for you is.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is essential to ensure that your GP will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor 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 are affecting your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and then record instances of how you have encountered these characteristics in your life prior to making an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.