How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask why you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to access medication if it is suitable for you. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert for an assessment. Adults should make a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use various tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create a report based on the information they have received. They will then discuss their recommendations with you which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with a medication.
There are a few doctors aren't willing to refer you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it's best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great tips on this issue on their website here.
In England, it is your legal right to choose that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidance. You may be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here.
2. Ask for a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years before getting an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose route. This is a legal right which allows you to request a referral to a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to do this you must inform your GP must accept this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private provider that you like. Before you can complete the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years older. The clinician will then give you an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, or not.
After read article If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is required and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations regarding support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any costs are discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments via email or phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an evaluation
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You might have to wait a while to get an assessment from the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the wait time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the organization to which you are recommended. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. record examples, since it is common for people's minds to be blank when talking about their own experience.
The examination will also include physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that may include a variety tests like brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD according to where you live. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private examinations are generally faster 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 serious problems in many areas of life such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an effective treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. This is something you should be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the best treatment plan 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 must be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your current and past behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits affect your life today. 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can result in a variety of treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.