How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you could be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and will request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they gather and then write a report. They will then discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should be treated with medication.
If you discover that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different physician who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful advice on this topic.
In England, you have a legal right to decide the location where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable make progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can try to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Ask for a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a lengthy process, and you may end up waiting years before getting a diagnosis. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a legal option that permits you to request an appointment with a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to do this then your GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you will make an appointment with a private practitioner that you like. Before you can complete the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. The clinician will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD may be the cause of your problem In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any possible medication options, and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or work. getting an adhd assessment uk will be discussed prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. getting an adhd assessment uk to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much more efficient.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an extensive history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be helpful to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It is essential to ensure that the data gathered is accurate and as complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD or other disorders, they will send you for a complete diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety tests, such as brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people prefer to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD based on the area you reside. You can look up a list here, or consult your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in many areas of life like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to get a treatment plan together. This could include medication or CBT therapy. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you must be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically faster than the NHS option, however you must ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your expert will ask you questions regarding your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life right now. Before you go to an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down 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 myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.