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 lengthy and there are times when people are diagnosed with different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll have to go to your GP and explain how you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you an expert to conduct an assessment. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when requested.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of different methods and tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create a report based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary to begin treatment with a medication.
If you discover that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England you have the legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the cost of the service is not more than what you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Ask for a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This can be a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years to receive an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose option. This is a legal right that allows you to request an appointment with a private 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 accept this, and sign a'shared care agreement' with the healthcare provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be due to ADHD, or not.
After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is required and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before beginning. how do i get assessed for adhd will also offer free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often, it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Consult your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the organization to which you are recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and makes the process much more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. note down your experiences, as it's common for people's minds to be in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is as precise and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a second appointment and may involve various tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD based on where you live. You can find a list here, or you can speak to your GP about which one is best for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life such as work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. This is something to be aware of prior to completing 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 to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually more efficient than the NHS route, but you must ensure whether your doctor has signed the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits impact your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can lead to many treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.