How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues like depression or anxiety.

Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.

1. Check with your GP

In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to get it. You'll need to tell your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to a specialist for an evaluation. For adults, it's particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.

Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will use a range of tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. They will take the information they gather and create an account. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are and it could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate, that you start treatment with medication.

If you discover that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth looking for another doctor who is 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, as long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact 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 regulations. You might be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips about this here.

2. Request a recommendation

Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal right which permits you to request an appointment with private providers in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.

If you opt to do this, your GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, the 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 its medication.

In most cases you can then make an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.

After the initial evaluation, if it is thought that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions regarding support at school or work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.

3. Take a look at the assessment

The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.

There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organization that you're referred to for your assessment. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much quicker.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect a detailed history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using the same set of questions. https://courtedward81.bravejournal.net/cheapest-adhd-assessment-uk-a-simple-definition can be helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experiences.

The assessment will also include a physical examination and interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. 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 the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child suffer from ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that could involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.



Some people choose to have a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK there are numerous companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. https://writeablog.net/goldgalley79/speak-yes-to-these-5-adhd-assessment-belfast-tips can find a list here, or consult your GP about which option would be best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however, it's important to understand that your health insurance may not pay for the costs.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to get an effective treatment plan. This could be CBT or medication. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the best option for you is.

Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the situation you'll be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.

Self-referral is available if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually more efficient than the NHS route, but you should ensure that your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.

Your expert will ask you questions about your past and current 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 attending 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 transform your life. It can result in various treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.