How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with other condition that may explain their challenges better like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously 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 receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You will need 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 an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you specialists for an evaluation. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to give examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ different methods and tools, including checklists for symptom identification and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you very well. They will take the information they gather and create a report. Then, they will discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate, you should begin treatment with medication.
You might find that some doctors are not willing to refer you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great tips on this issue on their website here.
In England, it is your legal right to choose where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to make progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right to choose route. This is a brand new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be sent to a private practitioner through this route.
If you choose to do this, then your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a'shared care agreement' with the healthcare provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most cases you can then make an appointment with a private provider you prefer. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years older. Recommended Internet page will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD may be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires 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 necessary then your GP will then be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments by emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Go for an evaluation
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
You may have to wait a while to get an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the clinic to whom you're referred for your assessment. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and could make the process much more efficient.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with standardised questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is as precise and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can provide you with the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children suffer from ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This is an additional appointment which could include a variety tests, such as brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to go private for their ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD, depending on where you live. You can check out a list of them here, or speak to your GP about which one would be best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For example it can impact work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these problems. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be lengthy. psychiatry-uk adhd assessment choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessments privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be medication or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best option for you will be.
You may 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 directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS method, but it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD the 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 impact your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and record instances of the ways you have encountered these characteristics in your life prior to going for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the doors to many treatment options, and can provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.