How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll have to go to your GP and tell them why you suspect that you may have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and will require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment that is based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will share their recommendations with you which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with a medication.
If you discover that your GP is unwilling 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 charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to decide the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Request a reference
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a long process, and you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" route. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be referred to a private provider through this route.
If you decide to go this route then your GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider 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 specialist will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD, or not.
After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is required then your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for support at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Go for an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. adhd assessment uk online to diagnose ADHD is by having 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. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the wait time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the company to which you're referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much more efficient.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment using the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It is crucial that the information collected is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child suffer from ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment and may involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to take a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are numerous companies that offer 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 assessments can be quicker than those conducted through 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 relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve CBT or medication. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment since it will help you decide 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 to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This route is often quicker than the NHS method, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits are affecting your life right now. Before you go to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open up various treatment options and provide an increased sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.