How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other condition that may be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may have ADHD. The GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to access it. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you may have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool prior to referring you to specialists for an assessment. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety of techniques and methods, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment that is based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medications.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an evaluation or doesn'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 website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
In England you have a legal right to decide where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you're not able 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 reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You may be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for an appointment. You can also take advantage of the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a brand new legal right which means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be directed to a private service via this route.
If you opt 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 particularly because they lack experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then set up a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. adhd assessment women will be an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any costs will be agreed upon before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
It could take for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organisation to whom you're referred for your assessment. This allows you to 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 impact your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experience.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require precise and complete information in order to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children are suffering from ADHD then he'll recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a range of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to have a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can look up a list here, or you can speak to your GP about which option is best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Unfortunately, because of a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the best course of treatment for you.
You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the situation, you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is often quicker than the NHS method, but you must ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your current and past behaviors. 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 right now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and 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 doors to a myriad of treatment options and can provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.