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, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales, you can access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to obtain it. You will need explain to your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to an expert to conduct an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ different methods and tools, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and others who know you well. They will review the information they get and write a report. Then, self assessment adhd test will discuss their recommendations with you which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.
There are a few GPs are not willing to refer you to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it's best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful advice on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to choose where you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions about this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an appointment. You may also opt for the "Right to Choose" option. This is a brand new legal right that means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be referred to a private provider through this route.
If you decide to do this then your GP must accept this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you have chosen. However, most GPs do not like 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 its medication.
In the majority of instances, you will be able to schedule an appointment with the private service you prefer. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. old. The clinician will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason for your problems In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is required then your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support in between appointments through email or short phone calls.
3. Go for an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Talk to your GP if you're worried about the wait time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the company to which you're recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. They will then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's common for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experiences.
The examination will also include physical examinations and interviews with family members as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child suffer from ADHD or other disorders, they will 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, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to take a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD, depending on where you live. You can look up a list here, or consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in many areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you make your assessment as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you is.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and then determine 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 often faster than the NHS method, but you should ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions about your current and past 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 now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and to record instances of how you have encountered these characteristics in your life before scheduling an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can open up a variety of treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.