How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to go to your GP and tell them why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and may require you to fill out some forms or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety tools and approaches such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you as well as your family members and others who know you well. They will consider the information they receive and write an account. Then, they will share their recommendations with you which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with a medication.
You may find that some GPs are not 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 an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great advice about this on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose where you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to recommend you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years for an answer. You may also opt for the "Right to Choose" route. This is a legal right which 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 choose to do this then your GP must accept this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private practitioner you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. how do i get an adhd assessment will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or work. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss medication options. If it is determined that medication is needed and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations relating to support at work or school will be discussed with your physician and any charges are discussed prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the organisation to which you are referred for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children suffer from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be a further appointment that could involve several tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. Based on where you live in the UK, there are a number of organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or speak to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in different areas of life such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Unfortunately, due to a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them to avoid 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 involve treatment with medication or CBT. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the 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. This process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your current and past behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. how do i get my son assessed for adhd will also inquire about how these traits impact your daily life. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and record instances of the ways you have experienced these traits in your own life prior to making an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can open the door to many treatment options, and may provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.