How To Get An ADHD Assessment: The Ugly The Truth About How To Get An ADHD Assessment How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy and sometimes people are diagnosed with other condition that may explain their challenges better, such as depression or anxiety.

Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.

1. Consult your GP

In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to go to your GP and explain how you think you might be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to an expert for an assessment. Adults should make a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples when you are asked.

Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will employ various methods and tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment that is based on the information they've received. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should be treated with medication.

There are a few doctors are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.

In England, you are entitled under the law to choose the location where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so 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 reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. adhd assessment cost uk can access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.

2. Request a recommendation

Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This can be a long procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years before getting an appointment. You may also opt for the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a new legal right that means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be directed to a private service by this method.

If you opt to go this route the GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they do not have the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.

In most cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider of your choice. Before completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. old. The clinician will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.

After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or work. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any possible medication options and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be agreed upon before beginning. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or phone calls.

3. Go for an assessment

Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.


It could take for a while before you can receive an assessment through the NHS. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you're being referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much quicker.

The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment with regularized questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.

The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. It's important that the information gathered is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most precise diagnosis.

If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child has ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment that could involve a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will aid in determining the severity of the disorder.

Some people choose to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. Based on where you live in the UK there are a number of organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private assessments can be quicker than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact your relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these issues. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could be 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.

Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. 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.

You can self-refer if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically more efficient than the NHS route, but you must ensure that your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.

Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits affect your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and then write down examples of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life before scheduling an appointment.

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.