How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The wait lists can be long and sometimes patients are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their issues better like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you may be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool prior to referring you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. They will consider the information they get and create an account. book adhd assessment uk will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate to begin treatment with medication.
There are a few doctors aren't willing to recommend you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, 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 it is your legal right to choose where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can attempt to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice regarding this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. You can first go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years to receive an answer. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of an outside provider when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this you must inform your GP must accept this, and sign a'shared care agreement' with the provider that you've chosen. However, the majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then book an appointment with a private service of your choosing. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years older. The clinician will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD, or not.
If it is found that ADHD may be the reason for your problems You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or workplace. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is necessary, your GP will then be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations related to support at school or work will be discussed with your specialist and any fees for this will be agreed before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments by emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Go for an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Consult your GP to discuss the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you're referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much more efficient.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment using the same set of questions. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should record examples, since it is common for people's minds to go completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete information to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment and may involve several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD according to the area you reside. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in many areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Due to the increasing number of people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The wait times can be long. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must consider before your evaluation. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you should be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner.
Your specialist 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 ask you 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 the ways you have encountered these characteristics in your life before making an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can lead to various treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.