How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you could be able to get it. You'll have to see your GP and tell them why you suspect you have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP should take this seriously, and they will request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they send you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of various tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they get and write an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.
If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England you have a legal right to decide where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than the NHS directly. If you're unable to make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a long procedure, and in some cases you may end up waiting years before getting a diagnosis. You can also use the "Right to Choose" pathway. This is a brand new legal right that means that 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 you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the provider that you've 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 can then book an appointment with a private practitioner you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or work. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations related to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your specialist and any fees are discussed prior to starting. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments by email or short phone calls.
3. Take adhd assessment psychiatry uk at the assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
You might have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment through the NHS. Consult your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organization to which you are recommended. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process more efficient.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it may be helpful to write down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The examination will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require precise and complete information in order to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This is an additional appointment that could include a range of tests like psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people decide to take a private ADHD assessment - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD based on the area you reside. You can check out a list of them here, or talk to your GP about which option is best for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS, but it's important to understand that your health insurance may not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in many areas of life like relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. Some individuals opt to pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid 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 medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the best course of action for you is.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you should be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your present and previous behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life right now. Before going to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can lead to many treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.