How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, patients are diagnosed with a different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask why you think you may have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to tell your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert for an evaluation. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. They will consider the information they get and create an account. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.
You may find that some doctors aren't willing to refer you to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England, you have a legal right to decide where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live 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 on this subject here.
2. Ask for why are adhd assessments so expensive
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. First, you can go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice option. This is a legal right which permits you to request a referral to a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to go this route the GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you will make an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication and, if found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any fees will be agreed upon before starting. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the company to which you are recommended. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and can make the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child suffer from ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where you reside 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 the best one for you. Private assessments can be quicker than the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For example, it can affect work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their test privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to get a treatment plan together. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. This is something you should consider before your evaluation. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you must be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will evaluate your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically quicker than the NHS method, but you should ensure whether your doctor has signed an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your doctor 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 ask you about how these characteristics affect your life now. Before going to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It opens the door to a myriad of 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 happier life.