How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. Waiting lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. The GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to visit your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and what impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to a specialist for an evaluation. For adults, it will be particularly important to prepare a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that 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 use various tools and methods, including checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. gp adhd assessment will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will write a report using 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 necessary to begin treatment with medication.
You may find that some doctors aren't willing to make an appointment for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England, you have the legal right to choose where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long as the service is available through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can attempt to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different ways to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This can be a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years for an answer. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a new legal right that allows when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be sent to a private practitioner through this route.
If you decide to do this then your GP must agree to this, and also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. older. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is necessary, your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Consult your GP for advice if you're concerned about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the company to which you are being referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment with the same set of questions. It is helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children have ADHD then he'll refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that could include a range of tests including brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are numerous organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or consult your GP about which option is best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be CBT or medication. It is something you must think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
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 will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically more efficient than the NHS route, but you must ensure that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
If you are tested for ADHD the doctor will ask you questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits impact your life today. Before you go to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It opens the door to many treatment options, and can give you a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.