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 people may be diagnosed with other disorders that better explain their difficulties, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. adhd assessment uk should then refer you the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to see your GP and explain how you suspect that you may have ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and will ask you to fill in some forms or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviews with you, your family members and others who know you well. They will consider the information they get and create an account. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should start treatment with medication.
There are a few GPs are not willing to make an appointment for an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to decide the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years for a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal right which permits you to request the referral of private providers in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. adhd assessment london of GPs are not willing to sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed particularly because they lack expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most cases, you will then be able to schedule an appointment with the private service of your choice. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. old. The doctor will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication and, if decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any fees for this will be agreed prior to beginning. Many private providers 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 diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a specialist psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the clinic to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much quicker.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It is essential that the information gathered is as precise and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that could include a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. Based on where you live in the UK there are numerous organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS however, it's crucial to be aware that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get a treatment plan together. This could involve 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.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the situation, you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is often quicker than the NHS method, but you must ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
If you are tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your current and past behaviors. 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 now. Before going to an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing event. It can open the door to a variety of treatment options and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.