How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their challenges better, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP will 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 suggested for you, you may be able to get it. You'll need to visit your GP and explain why you think you might have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool prior to referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ various methods and tools, including symptom checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will write an account that is based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are and it could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate to begin treatment with medications.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful advice on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to choose where you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service isn't more than what you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible ways to receive an ADHD assessment. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a long process and you may have to wait years for a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal right that allows you to request an appointment with private providers if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to sign this agreement the GP will need to approve and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, most doctors do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private provider you prefer. Prior to completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years older. The doctor will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be due to ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. adhd diagnostic assessment london will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is necessary and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has had experience with the condition.
It could take a while to get an assessment from the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with regularized questions. It can be helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experience.
The assessment will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. It is essential to ensure that the data gathered is accurate and as complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD and they'll send you for a complete diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment that could involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK there are many organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here, or you can consult your GP about which option would be best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS, but it's important to understand that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For example it can impact your relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can help in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. This is something you should consider before your evaluation. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
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 should be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically faster than the NHS route, but you should check whether your doctor has signed an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your specialist will ask questions regarding your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics affect your life now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of instances where you've encountered these characteristics in your life prior to scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the door to many treatment options, and can provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.