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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The wait lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better for example, anxiety or depression. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think 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 in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If how to get an assessment for adhd is recommended for you, you may be able to obtain it. You'll need to go to your GP and explain why you suspect you have ADHD and what impact it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and will request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to prepare an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your daily life, and be ready to provide examples when you are asked. Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviews with you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. They will review the information they get and write an account. Then, they will discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should start treatment with medication. If you discover that your GP is not willing to refer you to an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth seeking out a different GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful advice on this topic. In England you have the legal right to pick the location where you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service isn't more than the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this. 2. Ask for a referral Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a long process, and sometimes you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose route. This is a legal right which allows you to request a referral to private providers when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you choose to go this route, your GP will need to approve and sign an “shared care agreement” with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication. In the majority of instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The doctor will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD, or not. If it is found that ADHD may be the reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or work place. Then they will arrange an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any medication options, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Your doctor will also discuss any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before starting. The majority of private providers provide assistance and advice for free between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration. 3. Get an assessment The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder. You may need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Ask your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organization to which you are being referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much more efficient. The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with the same set of questions. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experience. The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis. If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include various tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder. Some people decide to go private for their ADHD assessment – this is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD according to the location you reside in. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS, but it's important to know that your health insurance will not pay for the costs. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to the rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you have your assessment, since it will help you decide what the most effective course of action for you is. You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines. If you don't receive a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is typically faster than the NHS method, but you should check whether your GP has the “Shared Care Agreement” with your private doctor. Your doctor will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviours. 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 right now. Before you go to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and can provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.