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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with other condition that may explain their challenges better for example, anxiety or depression. Your GP should listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment. 1. See your GP In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you may be able to access it. You'll have to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect that you may have ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you specialists for an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples if asked. Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will employ different tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment based on the information they have received. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should be treated with medication. You may find that some doctors are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic. In England, you have the legal right to choose the location where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and 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 making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can attempt to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this. 2. Ask for a referral Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy process and you may need to wait for years for an answer. You can also use the “Right to choose” pathway. This is a new legal right which means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be sent to a private practitioner by this method. If you decide to sign this agreement then your GP will need to approve and sign an “shared care agreement” with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, most doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication. In the majority of cases, you can then book an appointment with a private practitioner that you like. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The clinician will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not. Following the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or work. They will then arrange a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is needed and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to starting. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, either via emails 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 as other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition. You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by 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 right to choose the organization that you're referred to for your evaluation. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much quicker. When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with the same set of questions. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and write down examples, as it's normal for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experiences. The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It is essential to ensure that the data gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis. If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be a further appointment and may involve several tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder. Some people opt to have a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD based on where you live. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that your health insurance will not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact your work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to get an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be treatment with medication or CBT. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the best option for you will be. Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you must be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines. Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner. free adhd assessment uk will ask you 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 the way these traits impact your life today. Before attending an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and can provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.