How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and help you understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You'll have to visit your GP and tell them why you suspect you have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you to an expert for an evaluation. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and techniques, such as symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family, and others who know you well. They will take the information they receive and then write a report. Then, they will share their recommendations with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with medication.
There are a few doctors are not willing to make an appointment to an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it's best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to choose where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy process, and you'll have to wait years to get a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose' pathway. This is a new legal right which means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you choose to do this, your GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. However, the majority of 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 cases you can then make an appointment with a private service that you like. 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. of age. The doctor will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the root reason behind your issue You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or workplace. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any options for medication and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or at work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. The majority of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an evaluation
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often, it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the wait time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organisation to whom you're referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and can make the process much quicker.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with the same set of questions. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's common for people's minds to be blank when talking about their own experiences.
The examination will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. It's important that the information collected is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children suffer from ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This is an additional appointment that could include a range of tests like brain images and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in many areas of life like relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Unfortunately, due to a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve CBT or medication. It is important to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the best option for you will be.
getting an assessment for adhd could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you must be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This is usually faster than the NHS method, but it is important to check whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and present behavior. 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 going to an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can open the doors to many treatment options, and may provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.