How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. more info waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll have to go to your GP and explain why you think you might have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and may require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to give examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment that is based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate 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 which case it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information 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 is not more than what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can try to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Ask for a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice option. This is a brand new legal right which means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you choose to do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the provider that you've selected. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private provider that you like. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problems then they will usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or workplace. They will then arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any options for medication, and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide assistance and advice for free between appointments by email or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
You might have to wait a while to get an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the organisation that you're referred to for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process faster.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They'll then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The test will also consist of a physical examination and interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes 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 could include a variety tests like psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in many areas of life, for example work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be long. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the best course of action for you will be.
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 referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
Your expert will ask you questions about your past and current behaviours. 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. Before going to an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar 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 could be a life-changing event. 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 find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.