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 people may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to access it. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you may have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and may ask you to fill in several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of various methods and tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment using the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary to begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful advice about this on their website here.
In England it is your legal right to pick the location where you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidance. You might be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips regarding this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. You can first go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years for an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right to choose' pathway. This is a legal option that allows you to request a referral to a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to sign this agreement, your GP will need to approve and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you will then be able to make an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The clinician will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or workplace. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any medication options, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and assistance between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often, it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organisation that you're referred to for your assessment. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process quicker.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an in-depth description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation with the same set of questions. It can be helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to be in a blank space when discussing their own experiences.
The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information collected is accurate and as complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that could involve a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people choose to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK, there are a number of organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or you can consult your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in many areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an effective treatment plan. This could include CBT or medication. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you is.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually more efficient than the NHS method, but you should ensure whether your doctor has signed the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your expert will ask you questions regarding your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits impact your life now. Before going to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves 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. I Am Psychiatry can open up a variety of treatments and offer a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.