How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and some people are diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult how to get an adhd assessment
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to access medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to explain to your GP what you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. adhd assessment glasgow must take this seriously and will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you as well as your family members and other people who know you well. They will review the information they get and write a report. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to make an appointment to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful advice on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to choose where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the cost of the service isn't more than what you would have to pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This could be a long procedure and you could have to wait for years for a diagnosis. You can also use the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal option that permits you to request the referral of an outside provider in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this, then your GP must accept this, and also sign a'shared care agreement' with the service provider you've chosen. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most cases, you will then be able to make an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options and, if determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations relating to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any charges for this will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't always easy to get 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 through an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the company to which you're recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD then he'll recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This will be a further appointment that may include various tests including psychological tests and brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to take a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD based on where you live. You can find a list here, or consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you is.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. 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 an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
Your expert will ask you questions regarding your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits are affecting your life right now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to write down examples of how you have been affected by these traits in your own life prior to scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can lead to various treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.