How To Get An ADHD Assessment: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Get how do i get assessed for adhd in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you could be able to obtain it. You will need to go to your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will employ different tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you well. They will review the information they get and then write an assessment report. They will then discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should start treatment with a medication.
You might find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful information on this subject on their website here.
In England, you are entitled under the law to choose the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost you more than the NHS directly. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct ways to get an ADHD assessment. First, you can use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait years for an appointment. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose option. This is a legal right that permits you to request a referral to private providers in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private practitioner that you like. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. They will then set up an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is needed then your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or at work. Any costs will be agreed upon before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments through email or short phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the wait time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organization to which you're referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and could make the process much quicker.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. It is essential that the information collected is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can give you the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child have ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD based on where you live. You can look up a list here, or you can consult your GP about which option is best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in many areas of life, for example relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and 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 develop a treatment plan. This could include treatment with medication or CBT. It is crucial to think about this before you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you reside in the UK. If this is the situation you'll be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and then make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This is typically more efficient than the NHS method, but you should check whether your GP has an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your doctor 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 are affecting your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and can give you a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.