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 sometimes people are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their issues better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you may be able to obtain it. You will need to visit your GP and explain why you suspect that you may have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they receive and then write an account. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary to begin treatment with a medication.
You might find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England you have a legal right to decide the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're unable to make progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. link can access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the location you reside in. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice 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, you can request to be sent to a private practitioner via this route.
If you decide to sign this agreement the GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most cases, you will then be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires to your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your physician and any costs are discussed prior to starting. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Get an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic to which you are referred for your examination. This lets you skip 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 structured clinical assessment using regularized questions. Before your appointment, it may be helpful to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety tests including brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are numerous organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private exams can be more efficient 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 work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these problems. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. This is something you should think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
When you're tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your current and past behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits affect your daily life. Before going to an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.