How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The wait lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with different condition that could explain their issues better, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you believe you might have ADHD. Your GP will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to access medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect that you may have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will make use of various tools and techniques, such as symptoms checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment using the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to refer you to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England, it is your legal right to pick the location where you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the cost of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when 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 can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Request a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you'll have to wait years before getting a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right of Choice route. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't 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 you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD, or not.
After are adhd assessments covered by insurance If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any medication options and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations related to support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any costs for this will be agreed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either via email or brief phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has had experience with the condition.
You may have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the clinic that you're referred to for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much more efficient.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They'll then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete information to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD then he'll recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be a further appointment that may include several tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people decide to take a private ADHD evaluation - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can find a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas, for example 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 cope. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some people choose to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be CBT or medication. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best option for you will be.
You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will examine your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS route, but you should ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your current and past behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about the way 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 record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can lead to various treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.