20 Myths About How To Get An ADHD Assessment: Busted How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems like depression or anxiety.

Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask why you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.

1. See your GP

In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to obtain medication if it's appropriate for you. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples when asked.

Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ various tools and methods, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should be treated with a medication.

If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.

In England, you have a legal right 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 it doesn't cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If how to get adhd assessment are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You might be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.

2. Ask for a reference

Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct ways to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you'll have to wait several years to receive an appointment. You can also use the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right which permits you to request an appointment with a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.

If you decide to do this then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. 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 most instances, you will be able to schedule an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD or not.

If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires to your workplace or school. how to get an assessment for adhd will then set up a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity 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. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to beginning. The majority of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either via emails or phone calls.

3. Take a look at the assessment

Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.

You may need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organization to which you are referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much faster.


When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.

The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.

If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child have ADHD and they'll send you for a complete diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety of tests including brain images and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.

Some people opt to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be lengthy. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could include CBT or medication. It is crucial to think about this before you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you is.

Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.

You can self-refer in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually more efficient than the NHS route, but you should check whether your GP has the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.

When you're tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your current and past 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 now. Before you go to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the doors to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.