How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to get it. You'll have to go to your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and may ask you to fill in some forms or a screening tool prior to they send you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you as well as your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medications.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful advice on this topic.
In England, you have the legal right to choose which GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. The first is to go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and you may end up waiting years before getting an appointment. getting an adhd assessment uk can also use the "Right to Choose" pathway. This is a brand new legal right that allows should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be directed to a private service through this route.
If you decide to do this the GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms are due to ADHD, or not.
After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or workplace. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations regarding support at school or work will be discussed with your specialist and any fees for this will be agreed prior to starting. Most private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments by emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
You may have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. Talk to your GP to discuss the wait time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the company to which you're being referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. They will then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It's important that the information collected is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact 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 a follow-up appointment that could involve a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. Based on where you live in the UK there are many companies 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 are generally faster than using the NHS however, it's important to know that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For example it can impact relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting a treatment plan together. This could be CBT or medication. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you decide the best course of treatment for you.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you must be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will examine your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask you questions about your past and present behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits are affecting your life now. Before you go to an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
how to get a adhd assessment of ADHD can transform your life. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and may provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.