How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS for 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 obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect you be suffering from ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to an expert for an evaluation. For adults, it's particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you as well as your family members and others who know you well. They will consider the information they gather and create an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with a medication.
If cheapest adhd assessment uk find that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worthwhile looking for a different physician who is 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 where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can attempt to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you may end up waiting years before getting a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the "Right to Choose" option. This is a brand new legal right which means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be sent to a private practitioner via this route.
If you decide to do this then your GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or workplace. They will then arrange a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be discussed prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either via emails or phone calls.
3. Get an evaluation
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
It could take a while to get an assessment through the NHS. Talk to your GP to discuss the wait time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the company to which you are referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and makes the process much faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment using the same set of questions. It can be beneficial to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's common for people's minds to be in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. It is essential that the information collected is accurate and as complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children are suffering from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a second appointment that may include a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on where you live. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private assessments can be quicker than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in many areas of life such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include CBT or medication. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the most effective course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the situation you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically faster than the NHS method, but you must ensure that your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions regarding your present and previous behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life right now. Before you go to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It opens the door to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.