How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when patients 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 understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you could be able to get it. You'll need to explain to your GP why you believe you may have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of various 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 account. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with 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 could be worthwhile looking for a different doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great advice about this on their website here.
In England it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than 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 approach 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 can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for a diagnosis. You can also use the "Right to Choose" route. This is a new legal right which means that if you feel that the 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 do this you must inform your GP must accept this, and sign a'shared care agreement' with the service provider you've chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will make an appointment with a private provider that you like. 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 of age. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the root reason for your problems In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is required, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations related to support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any costs for this will be agreed prior to starting. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments by email or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
There may be how to get an assessment for adhd to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP to discuss the wait time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you are referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and could make the process much more efficient.
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 with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. It's important that the information collected is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD and they'll send you for a complete diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment that could involve several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people decide to take a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are numerous organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or talk to your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in many areas of life such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get a treatment plan together. This could include treatment with medication or CBT. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment as it will help determine what the best course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is usually quicker than the NHS option, however you should ensure whether your doctor has signed the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your doctor 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 characteristics are affecting your life right now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and then record instances of instances where you've been affected by these traits in your life before scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can lead to various treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.