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 people may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales, you can access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to get it. You'll have to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect you be suffering from ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they send you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will make use of different tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment that is based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it's best to find 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 you have the legal right to choose that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can try to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Request a reference
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. This could be a lengthy process, and you may end up waiting years before getting a diagnosis. You can also use the "Right to choose" route. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of an outside provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to go this route then your GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is needed, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your doctor will also discuss any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder.
You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic that you're referred to for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much more efficient.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be helpful to write down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment that may include several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD according to the area you reside. You can check out a list of them here, or you can speak to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's important to understand that your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the best option for you is.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician who will evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is usually more efficient than the NHS route, but you must ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
If you are tested for ADHD the doctor will ask you questions about your past and present behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. gp adhd assessment will also ask about how these traits affect your daily life. Before going to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can open up many treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.