How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to get it. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to make a list of 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 suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you as well as your family members and other people who know you well. They will take the information they receive and write an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
There are a few doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful advice on this topic.
In England it is your legal right to choose where you get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS and the price of the service is not 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 request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and rules. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips about this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a long process, and you could wait for several years to receive an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal right that permits you to request a referral to an outside provider when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this the GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. Before completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. find out this here will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problem In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is necessary then your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health issues. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Talk to your GP to discuss the waiting time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you're being referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much quicker.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment using standardised questions. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. record examples, since it is common for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experiences.
The test will also consist of a physical examination and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that could include a variety tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD according to the location you reside in. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than relying on the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in many areas of life such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the most effective course of action for you will be.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is often more efficient than the NHS route, but you must ensure that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your expert 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 daily life. Before going to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.