How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and sometimes patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS 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 have to go to your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may ask you to fill in several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will use a range of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an account based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worthwhile looking for a different physician who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England you have a legal right to decide where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance 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 can attempt to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years to get an appointment. You may also opt for the "Right to choose" option. This is a legal right which permits you to request a referral to private providers if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to do this, your GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private practitioner of your choosing. Prior to completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. older. The doctor will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the root reason for your problems In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is needed, your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations related to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your specialist and any charges for this will be discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an evaluation
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
You may have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment through the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you're being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much more efficient.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety tests including brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is growing in popularity as waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK, there are many organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas such as work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be lengthy. Some people opt to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could include CBT or medication. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment as it will help determine what the best option for you will be.
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 will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Read Much more -referral is an option even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS method, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
Your expert will ask you questions about your past and current behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits are affecting your life right now. Before going to an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the door to many treatment options, and may provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.