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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and there are times when patients are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If are adhd assessments covered by insurance is recommended for you, you may be able to get it. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you may have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and will require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment that is based on the information they've received. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England you have the legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can try to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This could be a lengthy process, and you'll have to wait years before getting a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a brand new legal right which means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be directed to a private service via this route.
If you choose to do this, then your GP must be in agreement with this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then book an appointment with a private practitioner of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the reason for your problems In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss medication options. If it is determined that medication is necessary and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be discussed prior to starting. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by emails or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organisation to whom you're referred for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and could make the process much quicker.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They'll then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and write down examples, as it's normal for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experiences.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that could involve various tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are numerous companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one 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 such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some individuals opt to pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip 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 include medication or CBT therapy. This is something to be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK You may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This route is often quicker than the NHS route, however it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
Your expert will ask you questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits are affecting your life right now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write down examples of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life before going for an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It can result in a variety of treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.