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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their issues better for example, anxiety or depression.

Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.

1. Consult your GP

In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to access medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to explain to your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP must take this seriously, and they will ask you to fill in some forms or a screening tool before they refer 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 experience in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when asked.

Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ a variety of tools and techniques, such as symptoms checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. They will review the information they get and create an assessment report. Then, they will share their recommendations with you which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.

If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worthwhile looking for a different physician who is more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.

In England you have the legal right to decide the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable 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 reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.

2. Ask for a reference

There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This can be a long process, and you may end up waiting several years to receive a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose route. This is a brand new legal right that 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 choose to do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.

In most instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private provider you prefer. Prior to completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.


After the initial evaluation, if it is thought that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication 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 recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any fees will be agreed upon before starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.

3. Go for an assessment

It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.

There may be More Material to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organisation to which you are referred for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much more efficient.

The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation using regularized questions. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it is common for people's minds to go blank when talking about their own experiences.

The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs precise and complete information in order to make the most accurate diagnosis.

If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a range of tests, such as brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.

Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD based on where you live. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.

Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.

Depending on where you reside in the UK You may be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and make 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 often faster than the NHS option, however 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 present 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 daily life. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and note down instances of how you have been affected by these traits in your own life prior to making an appointment.

A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It opens the door to many 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.

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