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 lengthy and there are times when people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their challenges better for example, depression or anxiety.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to access medication if it is suitable for you. You will need to go to your GP and explain how you suspect you have ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening tool before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD, and they will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. They will take the information they gather and then write a report. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
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 it doesn't cost you more than the NHS directly. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can try to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the location you reside in. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an answer. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal right that permits you to request an appointment with a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this, then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, self assessment adhd test of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to schedule 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) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then give you an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is necessary then your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your specialist and any fees are discussed before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments through email or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organization to which you are referred for your examination. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process faster.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They will then carry out an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will include a physical exam and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It is essential that the information gathered is accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment which could include a variety tests, such as brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where getting an assessment for adhd live in the UK, there are numerous organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or you can talk to your GP about which one is best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to pay for their test privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve 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 is.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the situation you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private doctor.
When you're tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask 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 characteristics affect your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and then record instances of how you have been affected by these traits in your life prior to making an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.