How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to visit your GP and explain how you think you might have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you an expert to conduct an assessment. For adults, it is especially important to create a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will make use of various tools and techniques, such as symptoms checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. They will review the information they receive and then write a report. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should start treatment with medication.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful tips on this subject.
In England, you have the legal right to decide which GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can attempt to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. getting an adhd assessment uk is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a legal option that allows you to request an appointment with a private provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to go this route then your GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they lack the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private practitioner of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will then give you an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD, or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or work. Then, they'll schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any costs for this will be agreed prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support in between appointments via email or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the organisation that you're referred to for your examination. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much more efficient.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take a detailed account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment with standardised questions. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children have ADHD, he will refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This is a second appointment that could involve several tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS however, it's crucial to be aware that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas like relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, due to the rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is something you must think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you should be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer 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 method, but you should ensure that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about the way these traits impact your life today. Before attending an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can result in many treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.