How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and sometimes patients are diagnosed with a other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to obtain it. You'll need to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect you have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will ask you to fill in some forms or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will use different tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment using the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you to an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth seeking out a different physician who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great advice about this on their website here.
In England you have a legal right to decide which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost you more than the NHS directly. If you're unable to make progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Ask for a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible ways to receive an ADHD assessment. First, you can take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a lengthy process, and you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a legal option that permits you to request the referral of an outside provider in the event that you believe the NHS wait 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 chosen. However, the majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most cases you can then make an appointment with a private practitioner of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires 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.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root reason behind your issue You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or work place. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any options for medication and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any costs will be agreed upon before starting. Most private providers will also provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the company to which you are being referred. Suggested Webpage allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with regularized questions. It is helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it is common for people's minds to be in a blank space when discussing their own experiences.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child have ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that may include a variety tests including psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to have a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can check out a list of them here, or you can talk to your GP about which option would be best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however, it's crucial to be aware that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For example it can impact your work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be long. Some individuals choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create 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.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be referred to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is important to check that your GP will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about the way these traits impact your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
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 a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.