How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. adhd assessments waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. The GP should then refer you the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You will need to go to your GP and explain why you suspect that you may have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to a specialist for an evaluation. Adults should make a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will use various tools and methods, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and others who know you well. They will consider the information they get and create an assessment report. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should start treatment with medication.
There are a few doctors aren't willing to refer you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for assistance in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a lengthy process and you may have to wait years for an appointment. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right which permits you to request a referral to private providers when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. However, most doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will make an appointment with a private service of your choosing. Prior to completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. The doctor will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation, if it is thought that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication and, if decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations related to support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any charges for this will be discussed before starting. Most private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments through email or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be completed by 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 option of choosing the organization that you're referred to for your assessment. This allows you to bypass 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. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial 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. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a range of tests like brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. adhd assessment is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can check out a list of them here, or you can speak to your GP about which one is best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS, but it's important to know that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For instance it can impact relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis could help in resolving these issues. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be long. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could be CBT or medication. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you is.
Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This is usually quicker than the NHS route, but you must ensure that your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your doctor will ask questions about your past and current behaviours. 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 right now. Before attending an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can open up a variety of treatments and offer an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.