How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to visit your GP and explain how you suspect you have ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously, and they will require you to fill out some forms or a screening tool prior to they send you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ various tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create a report 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 a medication.
There are a few doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful advice about this on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to achieve progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a long process, and you may end up waiting years before getting an appointment. You may also opt for the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right which permits you to request an appointment with a private provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to do this the GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you can 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 older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then give you an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD could be the cause of your problems then they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or work. They will then set up an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations related to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any fees are discussed prior to starting. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via email or short phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the wait time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you're recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be helpful to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, 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, they will send you for a complete diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment and may involve various tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD based on where you live. You can look up a list here, or speak to your GP about which option would be best for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. adhd diagnostic assessment london could include CBT or medication. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you must be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When are adhd assessments covered by insurance tested for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your current and past behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics affect your life now. Before going to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can result in various treatment options and provide an improved sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.