How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their issues better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you believe you might have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you might be able to access it. You'll need to tell your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may require you to fill out some forms or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will use different tools and methods, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family members, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment using the information they've received. They will then discuss their recommendations with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should be treated with medication.
You might find that some GPs are not willing to refer you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England it is your legal right to choose where you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the cost of the service isn't more than the amount you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This is a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years for an appointment. You can also use the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a new legal right that allows should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be directed to a private service via this route.
If you decide to sign this agreement, your GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most cases, you'll be able to book an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. Then, they'll schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any options for medication, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations related to support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any costs are discussed before starting. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Get an evaluation
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
You may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the right to choose the organization to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much quicker.
how to get an adhd assessment will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They'll then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. 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 about their experiences when they talk about them.
The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete data to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This is 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 take a private ADHD assessment - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK, there are numerous organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or talk to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For instance it can impact your work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can help in resolving these issues. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting a treatment plan together. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and then make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about the way these traits impact your life now. Before going to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with 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 can open the doors to a variety of treatment options and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.