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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 people may be diagnosed with other disorders that better explain their difficulties such as anxiety or depression. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment. 1. Check with your GP In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You will need to go to your GP and explain how you think you might have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously, and they will require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening tool before they send you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it will be especially important to create an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to provide examples when you are asked. Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will employ different methods and tools, including checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family members, and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will discuss their recommendation with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should start treatment with a medication. You may find that some doctors aren't willing to make an appointment for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic. In England it is your legal right to choose that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here. 2. Request a reference Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to recommend you. This can be a long process, and you'll have to wait years to get a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the “Right to Choose” pathway. This is a brand new legal right that allows when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be directed to a private service through this route. If you choose to do this the GP will need to approve and sign a “shared care agreement” with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication. In most cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD or not. If it is found that ADHD may be the cause of your problem In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is needed, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. I Am Psychiatry will also discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be agreed upon before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments via email or short phone calls. 3. Get an assessment It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has 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 waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the company to which you're referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process more efficient. The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They will then carry out an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. write down examples, as it is common for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experiences. The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most precise diagnosis. If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children suffer from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that could include a range of tests including brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD. Some people choose to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. Based on where you live in the UK, there are a number of organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or consult your GP about which option would be best 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 many areas of life. For example it can impact your work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could help in resolving these issues. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting a treatment plan together. This could be CBT or medication. It is something you must consider before your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you. 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'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of 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 process is typically faster than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician. Your doctor will ask questions about your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits affect your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and to write down examples of how you have experienced these traits in your own life prior to making an appointment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It can result in many treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.