How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and there are times when people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their issues better, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns 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 you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to explain to your GP why you believe you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you an expert for an evaluation. Adults should make an outline of specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you well. They will review the information they gather and create an account. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate to begin treatment with medication.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to recommend you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
In England, you have a legal right to choose which GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable make progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can attempt to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an answer. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a new legal right that means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be directed to a private service via this route.
If you choose to do this then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you have chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most cases, you will then be able to book an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires to your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is needed then your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations relating to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your specialist and any charges for this will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments through email or phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a specialist psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
It could take for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. Ask your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you're recommended. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. They will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since 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 teachers, family members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete data to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be a further appointment and may involve a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to take a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS, but it's important to understand that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in many areas of life, for example work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go private and pay for their assessment privately. diva adhd assessment lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to get an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you should be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will assess your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is typically faster than the NHS option, however you should check that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you're tested for ADHD Your doctor 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 traits affect your daily life. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write down examples of the ways you have been affected by these traits in your own life prior to scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can lead to many 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.