How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from 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 suggested for you, you may be able to access it. You'll have to see your GP and tell them why you suspect you be suffering from ADHD and what impact it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will require you to fill out some forms or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety of techniques and methods, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you, your family members and others who know you well. They will consider the information they receive and create a report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to pick the location where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service isn't more than what you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This is a lengthy process and you may need to wait for years for an answer. adhd diagnostic assessment london can also use the "Right to choose" route. This is a brand new legal right which means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be referred to a private provider through this route.
If you decide to do this then your GP must agree to this, and must also sign a'shared care agreement' with the service provider you have chosen. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private service of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The clinician will let you know if they believe that 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 school or workplace. They will then arrange a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is required then your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for assistance at school or at work. Any costs will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
It could take for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organisation to which you are referred for your assessment. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should write down examples, as it's common for people's minds to become completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children suffer from ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety tests, such as brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
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 different organisations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD according to the location you reside in. You can look up a list here, or you can talk to your GP about which one would be best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For instance, it can affect work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the best course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able to get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you must be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically more efficient than the NHS option, however you should ensure whether your GP has an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your current and past behaviors. 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. Before attending an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the doors to a variety of treatment options and can provide 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.