How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders that better explain their difficulties like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. The GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with click the next page
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to visit your GP and tell them why you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has 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. For adults, it will be particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be ready to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use different tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create a report based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should start treatment with a medication.
You might find that some GPs are not willing to refer you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it's best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service isn't more than what you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are 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 regulations. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This could be a long procedure and you could have to wait years for an answer. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" route. This is a new legal right that means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be sent to a private practitioner through this route.
If you choose to do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you have chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private provider 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 clinician will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or workplace. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any possible medication options and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions regarding support at school or work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Go for an evaluation
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organisation that you're referred to for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much quicker.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using standardised questions. It can be helpful to be familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children have ADHD then he'll refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety tests including brain images and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD evaluation - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD based on where you live. You can check out a list of them 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 more.. have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example, it can affect relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. This is something you should think about prior to your assessment. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the situation you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and then make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually more efficient than the NHS option, however you should check whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your expert will ask you questions about your past and present 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 useful to familiarise yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and then record instances of instances where you've encountered these characteristics in your life before going for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can lead to many treatment options and provide an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously undiagnosed. more.. can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.