How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders that better explain their difficulties like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to get medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to specialists for an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when you are asked.
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 members, and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will create a report using the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you to an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to decide which GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable 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 located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait several years to receive a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of an outside provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a'shared care agreement' with the provider that you've selected. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private service you prefer. Prior to completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years older. The specialist will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any possible medication options and, if decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations relating to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any costs are discussed before starting. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
It could take a while to get an assessment through the NHS. If free adhd assessment uk worried about the waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organization to whom you're referred for your assessment. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much faster.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using the same set of questions. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The examination will also include physical examinations and interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete information to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment and may involve a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to take a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can look up a list here, or you can consult your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in different areas of life like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. 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 based on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often more efficient than the NHS method, but you must ensure that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
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 ask you about how these traits affect your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and then note down instances of instances where you've encountered these characteristics in your life prior to making an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and may 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.