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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues, such as anxiety or depression. Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand why you believe you may have ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS for an assessment. 1. Consult your GP In England and Wales, you can access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to access it. You'll have to see your GP and tell them why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and what impact it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously, and they will ask you to fill in several questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they send you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it will be especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be prepared to provide examples when asked. Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will create a report based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medication. If you discover that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great tips on this issue on their website here. In England it is your legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You might be able try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here. 2. Ask for a reference Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This is a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years for a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a legal right that allows you to request a referral to a private provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you choose to sign this agreement the GP will have to agree and sign an “shared care agreement” with the provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires. In the majority of instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then give you a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD, or not. If it is found that ADHD may be the reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then arrange 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 it is determined that medication is needed, your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your specialist and any fees for this will be discussed prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments through email or short phone calls. 3. Get adhd assessment for women of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field. There may be a 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 brand new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organisation to which you are referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and can make the process much more efficient. The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget 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 collected is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can provide you with the most accurate diagnosis. If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD or other disorders, they will send you for a complete diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment and may involve several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder. Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS however, it's important to know that health insurance does not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause major issues in different areas of life such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting a treatment plan together. This could involve CBT or medication. It is something you must think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you. Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines. Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often more efficient than the NHS option, however you should check whether your GP has an “Shared Care Agreement” with your private doctor. When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions regarding your present and previous behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about the way these traits impact your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It can open the door to many treatment options, and may provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.