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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and sometimes patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their issues better, such as anxiety or depression. Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment. 1. See your GP In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to obtain medication if it's appropriate for you. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when you are asked. Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ different tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and other people who know you very well. They will consider the information they receive and write an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medication. You might find that some doctors are not willing to refer you to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful advice on this topic. In England you have the legal right to pick the location where 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 pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice regarding this. 2. Ask for a reference 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 go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you may end up waiting years before getting a diagnosis. You may also opt for the “Right to Choose” option. This is a legal right that permits you to request an appointment with private providers in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you do this you must inform your GP must accept this, and sign a “shared care agreement” with the service provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it. In www.iampsychiatry.com can then make an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not. After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. Then, they'll schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is needed and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations related to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any fees for this will be agreed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support in between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration. 3. Take a look at the assessment It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition. You may have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about 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 assessment. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much more efficient. When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment using regularized questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them. The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs precise and complete information in order to determine the most appropriate diagnosis. If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to aid in determining the severity of the disorder. Some people choose to go private for their 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 a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is best for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For example it can impact your relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, because of a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to 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 a treatment plan together. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you have your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you will be. You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines. If you do not get an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is essential to ensure that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner. If you are tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you 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 are affecting your life now. Before attending an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can open the door to a variety of treatment options and may provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.