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, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their challenges better for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. The GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you could be able to get it. You'll need to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert for an evaluation. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD, and they will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you as well as your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an account using the information they've gathered. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should be treated with medication.
There are a few GPs are not willing to recommend you to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it's best to find another GP who will be 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 receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided 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 help in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This can be a long process, and sometimes you may end up waiting several years to receive an appointment. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose option. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you do this then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately due to the fact that they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private service of your choice. Before you can complete the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. older. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or workplace. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain the 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. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Go for an evaluation
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often, it's misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you're recommended. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. Iampsychiatry will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation with standardised questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The examination will also include physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. It is essential that the information gathered is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child has ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment and may involve a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people decide to go private for their ADHD evaluation - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD according to the location you reside in. You can check out a list of them here, or you can talk to your GP about which one is best for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS however it is important to know that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas like relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the increasing number of people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you is.
Depending on where you reside in the UK, you may be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This is typically more efficient than the NHS method, but you should check that your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits affect your life today. Before you go to 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.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.