How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand why you believe you may have ADHD. The GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to tell your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and may ask you to fill in some forms or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it will be especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will use a range of techniques and methods, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you as well as your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment using 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 necessary to begin treatment with medication.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to make an appointment to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is best to find 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, it is your legal right to choose that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service isn't more than what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can try to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This could be a long process and you may have to wait years for an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal option that allows you to request the referral of a private provider when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to go this route then your GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most instances, you will be able to schedule an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD may be the reason behind your issue You will typically be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. They will then set up a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is needed, your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for assistance at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to beginning. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often, it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
It could take for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organisation to which you are referred for your examination. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using standardised questions. It is helpful to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's common for people's minds to be blank when talking about their own experiences.
The assessment will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. It is essential to ensure that the data gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children suffer from ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that could include a variety of tests, such as brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people opt to take a private ADHD assessment - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK, there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or consult your GP about which option would be best for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For example it can impact relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis could help in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, due to a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you make your assessment as it will help determine what the best option for you will be.
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 taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will assess your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. adhd assessment liverpool is often faster than the NHS option, however you should check whether your doctor has signed an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you are assessed for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits are affecting your life right now. Before going to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can open the doors to many treatment options, and can provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.