How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to tell your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviews with you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an account that is based on the information they've received. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary, you should begin treatment with medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
In England it is your legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If adhd assessment scotland are unable get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. You can also use the 'Right to Choose" option. This is a legal right that allows you to request an appointment with an outside provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the reason for your problems You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or workplace. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is required and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your physician and any costs for this will be agreed prior to starting. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic that you're referred to for your evaluation. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and write down examples, as it's common for people's minds to become completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete data to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment that could involve various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or you can speak to your GP about which one would be best for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in different areas of life such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put a treatment plan together. This could be treatment with medication or CBT. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you decide the best course of treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your past and present behaviours. 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 today. Before attending an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open the door to a variety of treatment options and can 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.
