How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to obtain it. You'll have to go to your GP and tell them why you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you an expert for an evaluation. For adults, it's particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ different tools and methods, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family members, and others who know you very well. They will review the information they gather and create an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is 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 GP is not willing to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful advice about this on their website here.
In England, you are entitled under the law to decide which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. First, you can take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. assessment adhd is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for a diagnosis. You may also opt for the 'Right to Choose" route. This is a new legal right which means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be sent to a private practitioner via this route.
If you choose to sign this agreement the GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, the majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will make an appointment with a private practitioner that you like. Prior to completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. old. The doctor will then give you an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you 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. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any charges for this will be discussed before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments by emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Go for an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic to whom you're referred for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain 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 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 discussing them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. It's important that the information gathered is as accurate and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be a further appointment that may include various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can find a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS however it is important to understand that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in many areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some people opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
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 important to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the best option for you will be.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often faster than the NHS method, but you should ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD, your expert 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 inquire about how these traits affect your daily life. Before going to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open up a variety of treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.