How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The wait lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their issues better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to access it. You'll have to visit your GP and explain why you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to specialists for an evaluation. For adults, it is particularly important to prepare an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will make use of a variety of tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you well. They will review the information they receive and then write a report. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with a medication.
cheap adhd assessment uk might find that some doctors aren't willing to refer you to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful advice about this on their website here.
In England you have a legal right to decide where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than the NHS directly. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. First, you can go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive a diagnosis. You can also opt for the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a brand new legal right which means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be referred to a private provider via this route.
If you do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. However, most doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be due to ADHD, or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or work place. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is necessary then your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding support at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support in between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that gives you the right to choose the organization that you're referred to for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with regularized questions. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to be blank when talking about their own experiences.
The examination will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It's important that the information collected is accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can give you the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that could include a variety tests like brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. There are different organisations 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 one is best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the best course of action for you will be.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the situation you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS route, but you should check that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your expert will ask you questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits impact your life today. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and then record instances of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life before scheduling an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It opens the door to many treatment options, and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.