10 Situations When You'll Need To Be Educated About How To Get An ADHD Assessment How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, patients are diagnosed with a other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems for example, depression or anxiety.

Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you may have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.

1. Check with your GP

In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to tell your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will require you to fill out some forms or a screening tool prior to they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples when asked.

Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. They will take the information they get and create an account. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.

If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful tips on this subject.

In England, you have a legal right to decide the location where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.

2. Request a recommendation

Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait several years to receive an appointment. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a legal option that permits you to request the referral of private providers if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.

If you do this, then your GP must agree to this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they do not have the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.

In the majority of instances, you will be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.

After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If why are adhd assessments so expensive is determined that medication is needed, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations related to support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any costs for this will be discussed prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls.

3. Get an assessment

It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.

You may need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic to which you are referred for your evaluation. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much quicker.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with regularized questions. Before your appointment, it might be helpful to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.

The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.

If are adhd assessments covered by insurance is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment that could involve several tests including psychological tests and brain imaging to help determine the extent of the disorder.

Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK, there are many companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or you can speak to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For example it can impact relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can help to resolve these issues. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be long. Some people opt to go private and pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.


If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you decide the best course of treatment for you.

You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you should be referred to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will examine your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.

If you do not get an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with an individual mental health professional. This process is typically faster than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check that your GP will accept the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.

Your expert will ask you questions about 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 traits are affecting your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.

If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the door to a variety of treatment options and can give you an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.