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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. Waiting lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you might be able to get it. You'll need to see your GP and explain how you think you might have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert for an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will use a range of techniques and methods, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you as well as your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write a report that is based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate to begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worthwhile looking for a different doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can try to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for several years to receive an appointment. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right of Choice option. This is a legal right which permits you to request a referral to a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to go this route, your GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, most doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you will make an appointment with a private practitioner you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is needed then your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations regarding support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any costs for this will be agreed prior to beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments by email or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the right to choose the clinic that you're referred to for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with the same set of questions. It can be beneficial to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. record examples, since it's common for people's minds to go completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children suffer from ADHD then he'll refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
More Material choose to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK there are a number of companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or you can speak to your GP about which option is best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For instance, it can affect relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. This is something to be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often faster than the NHS method, but you should check whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
Your doctor will ask questions about your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits affect your daily life. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to record instances of how you have experienced these traits in your life prior to making an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It opens the door to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.