How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and sometimes people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their issues better like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to obtain it. You'll need to go to your GP and explain how you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you as well as your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss their recommendations with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with medication.
If you discover that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worthwhile looking for a different doctor who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful tips on this subject.
In England it is your legal right to pick the location where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the cost of the service is not more than what you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a lengthy process and you may have to wait years for a diagnosis. You can also use the "Right to choose" pathway. 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 referred to a private provider via this route.
If you opt to sign this agreement the GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any possible medication options and, if decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or work. Any costs will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the right to choose the organization to which you are referred for your examination. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list and could make the process much quicker.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They'll then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (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 family members, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete data to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD and they'll send you for a complete diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that could involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK there are many organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or talk to your GP about which option would be best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS however, it's important to understand that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in many areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting a treatment plan together. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. This is something you should be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK You may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you should be taken 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 even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often quicker than the NHS route, but you must ensure that your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
adhd assessment for women will ask questions about your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits are affecting your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to write down examples of instances where you've been affected by these traits in your life before scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open the doors to many treatment options, and can give you an understanding of oneself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.