How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales, you can access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to obtain it. You'll need to explain to your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you an expert for an evaluation. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of a variety of tools and methods, including checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment using the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate to begin treatment with medications.
You may find that some GPs are not willing to refer you to an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great information on this subject on their website here.
In England, it is your legal right to choose where you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the cost of the service isn't more than what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You may be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy process and you may have to wait years for an appointment. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose' pathway. This is a new legal right that means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you do this, then your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you've selected. However, a majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most cases you can make an appointment with a private provider that you like. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or work. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is required then your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or work. are adhd assessments covered by insurance of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via email or phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. Talk to your GP if you're worried about the wait time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you are referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process faster.
When you go for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. write down examples, as it is common for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experiences.
The examination will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information collected is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be a further appointment that may include a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people opt to take a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK, there are many companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or consult your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private assessments can be quicker than those conducted through the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact your relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can aid in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you will be.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the situation you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often faster than the NHS option, however you should ensure whether your GP has the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your expert will ask you 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 impact your daily life. Before attending an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can result in a variety of treatment options and create an increased sense of self-confidence for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.