How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with other condition that may explain their challenges better like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. The GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to get it. You'll need to explain to your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will ask you to fill in some forms or a screening instrument before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will make use of different methods and tools, including checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write a report based on the information they've received. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should be treated with medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it's best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. You can first go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a long process and you may need to wait years for a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a legal right that permits you to request an appointment with an outside provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this, then your GP must agree to this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private service that you like. Prior to completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. old. The specialist will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the reason for your problems You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or work place. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is necessary then your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your doctor and any fees for this will be discussed prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
You may have to wait a while to get an assessment through the NHS. Talk to your GP if you're worried about the wait time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the company to which you are being referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process faster.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment using standardised questions. Before your appointment, it may be helpful to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most precise diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. are adhd assessments covered by insurance is an additional appointment which could include a variety tests including brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or you can talk to your GP about which option is best for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you is.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and then make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically faster than the NHS route, but you should check whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and present behaviors. 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 you go to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can open the door to many treatment options, and can provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.