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 some people are diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if it's appropriate for you. You will need explain to your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert for an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to prepare a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use different tools and methods, including checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write an account using the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth looking for another doctor who is more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. First, you can use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This can be a long process, and you may end up waiting several years to receive an appointment. You can also take advantage of the "Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right which permits you to request the referral of a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a'shared care agreement' with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with 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 cases you can make an appointment with a private service of your choosing. Before completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years of age. The doctor will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD, or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD could be the cause of 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 with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options, and if it is 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. The cost of any fees will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by emails or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
You may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic to which you are referred for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation using regularized questions. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experiences.
The assessment will also include a physical examination and interviews with family members teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child have ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that could include a variety of tests, such as brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people opt to take a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD according to where you live. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. how do you get assessed for adhd are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in different areas of life, for example relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, gp adhd assessment to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin 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 crucial to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the best option for you will be.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is essential to ensure that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert 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 you about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write 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 the doors to a variety of treatment options and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.