How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with other illness that might explain their challenges better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask why you think you may have ADHD. They will then refer you to 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 might be able to get it. You'll need to tell your GP how you believe you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to an expert for an assessment. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will write a report that is based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate to begin treatment with medication.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worthwhile looking for a different physician who is 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 the place where you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. You can first go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer. It can be a lengthy process, and sometimes you could wait for several years to receive an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose option. This is a legal right that permits you to request the referral of a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to go this route, your GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private service you prefer. 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 old. old. The specialist will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any options for medication, and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments by email or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Ask your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you're being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process faster.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. It is crucial that the information collected is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD and they'll send you for a complete diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment which could include a variety of tests including brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to take a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a list here, or speak to your GP about which option would be best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact your relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. adhd self assessment test is important to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you reside in the UK You may be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you should be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get a referral from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is typically faster than the NHS route, but you should ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics affect your life now. Before going to an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can lead to a variety of treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.