How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and some people are diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to get it. You'll have to see your GP and explain how you think you might be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you a specialist for an evaluation. For adults, it's especially important to create a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ various tools and methods, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will write a report based on the information they've received. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should be treated with a medication.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful advice about this on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to choose where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you are unable make progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different ways to receive an ADHD assessment. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a long process and you may have to wait years for an appointment. You can also use the "Right to choose" option. This is a legal option that permits you to request the referral of private providers when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to go this route then your GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private service of your choice. 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 of age. The specialist will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD, or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or workplace. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any charges for this will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Talk to your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you're being referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list and could make the process much quicker.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with standardised questions. It can be helpful to be familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. write down examples, as it is common for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experience.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. It is crucial that the information gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children are suffering from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be a further appointment that may include a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
adhd assessment in uk choose to go private for their ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can look up a list here, or you can consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance may not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be long. Some people choose to go private and pay for their test privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. This is something you should be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often quicker than the NHS route, but you must ensure whether your doctor has signed the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
If you are tested for ADHD the doctor 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 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 the ways you have been affected by these traits in your life before going for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It opens the door to many treatment options, and can provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.