How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The GP should then refer you the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you could be able to get it. You'll need to tell your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and will require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write a report based on the information they have received. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should start treatment with medication.
You may find that some doctors aren't willing to recommend you for an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful advice on this topic.
In England, you are entitled under the law to decide where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long as the service is available through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidance. You may be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions about this here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This could be a lengthy process, and you'll have to wait several years to receive an appointment. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" option. This is a brand new legal right that allows should you feel that 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 choose to do this you must inform your GP must agree to this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private service that you like. Before completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. older. The specialist will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root reason for your problems In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or work place. Then, they'll schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is needed, your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations relating to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any fees are discussed prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support in between appointments via email or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. adhd assessment uk free to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder.
You might have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice', a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the clinic to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process quicker.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment and may involve various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD based on the area you reside. You can find a list here, or talk to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be long. Some people opt to pay for their test privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best option for you is.
You may 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 directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This is often faster than the NHS route, but you should ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions about your current and past behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and write down examples of how you have encountered these characteristics in your own life prior to making an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It opens the door to many treatment options, and may provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.