How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you may have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll have to go to your GP and tell them why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and will request you to complete some forms or a screening tool before they send you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will use 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 others who know you well. They will review the information they receive and write a report. Then, they will share their recommendations with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
In England it is your legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help 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 might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Request free adhd assessment uk
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years before getting a diagnosis. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" route. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be directed to a private service through this route.
If you choose to do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you can then book an appointment with a private service that you like. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problems then they will usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is required then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, via emails or phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic to which you are referred for your assessment. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and makes the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety of tests like brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK, there are numerous organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Due to the increasing number of people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be long. Some individuals opt to go private and pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put a treatment plan together. This could involve CBT or medication. It is something you must consider before your evaluation. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you must be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This is typically faster than the NHS method, but you should ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
adhd assessment london will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can open the doors to many treatment options, and can provide 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 fulfilled life.