How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS 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 access medication if it is suitable for you. You will need explain to your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to an expert for an assessment. Adults should make an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety of tools and approaches such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write a report that is 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 start treatment with a medication.
There are a few GPs are not willing to refer you to an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to choose where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost you more than the NHS directly. If you're unable to achieve progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can try to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice regarding this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible ways to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for several years to receive an appointment. You can also use the "Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right 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 do this, then your GP must accept this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then give you an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. Then, simply click the following page with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is required then your GP will then be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations regarding support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any costs for this will be agreed prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments via email or short 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 most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organization to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and can make the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment using regularized questions. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children have ADHD then he'll refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people choose to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS, but it's important to understand that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an effective treatment plan. This could be medication or CBT therapy. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you should be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and issue an assessment based on 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 usually more efficient than the NHS method, but you must ensure whether your GP has a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits impact your daily life. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and record instances of instances where you've been affected by these traits in your life before going for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open up various treatment options and create an increased sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.