What NOT To Do Within The How To Get An ADHD Assessment Industry 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 long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems like depression or anxiety.

Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.

1. See your GP

In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to visit your GP and explain why you suspect you have ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you specialists to conduct an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples if asked.

Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you as well as your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will write a report using the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with medications.

There are a few doctors aren't willing to make an appointment for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.

In England you have a legal right to decide where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able avail 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 receive an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait years to get an appointment. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose route. This is a brand new legal right which means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be referred to a private provider via this route.

If you choose to do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, the majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.

In the majority of cases, you will then book an appointment with a private service of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, or not.

If it is determined that ADHD may be the reason for your problems You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then set up an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is required, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your specialist and any costs for this will be agreed prior to beginning. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.

3. Get an assessment

It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.

self assessment adhd test may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organisation to which you are referred for your examination. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list and makes the process much more efficient.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment using regularized questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.

The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. It's important that the information gathered is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most exact diagnosis.


If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment and may involve several tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will aid in determining the severity of the disorder.

Some people opt to have a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here, or you can consult your GP about which option would be best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting a treatment plan together. This could include medication or CBT therapy. This is something you should be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.

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 must be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will assess your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.

If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS method, but you must ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.

When you're tested for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your current and past behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits impact your life now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and record instances of instances where you've experienced these traits in your life prior to making an appointment.

A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the doors to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.