How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. The GP should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to obtain it. You'll need to visit your GP and explain why you suspect you have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. cheap adhd assessment will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should make a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will use different methods and tools, including symptoms checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write a report that is based on the information they have received. Then, they will share their recommendations with you which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary, you should begin treatment with medication.
If you discover that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an evaluation or won't 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 tips on this issue on their website here.
In England you have a legal right to decide where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can try to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you'll have to wait years before getting a diagnosis. 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 by this method.
If you do this then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you have chosen. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or workplace. They will then set up an appointment with you to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss medication options. If it is determined that medication is required, your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations related to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your specialist and any costs are discussed before starting. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Consult your GP for advice if you're concerned about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you're referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much faster.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with regularized questions. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should write down examples, as it is common for people's minds to become completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete information to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will send you for a complete diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that could involve several tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. There are many organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in different areas of life like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. Waiting times can be long. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put a treatment plan together. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the most effective course of action for you is.
Depending on where you reside in the UK, you may be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is essential to ensure that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD the 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 how these traits impact your life now. Before attending an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can result in various treatment options and create an increased sense of self-confidence for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.