How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to explain to your GP why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to specialists to conduct an assessment. For adults, it will be especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will make use of different tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with a medication.
You might find that some GPs are not willing to make an appointment for an assessment or will not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to choose where you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different ways to get an ADHD assessment. First, you can go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a long process and you may have to wait years for an appointment. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose route. This is a legal right which permits you to request the referral of a private provider when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to sign this agreement then your GP will need to approve and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. adhd assessment psychiatry uk are reluctant to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they do not have the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private provider of your choice. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. The specialist will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is necessary, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Your doctor will also discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any fees will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Take how to get adhd assessment at the assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you're referred for your examination. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it might be helpful to write down your experiences and be familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is as accurate and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children suffer from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a second appointment that may include a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For example it can impact your relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put a treatment plan together. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
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 will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This is often more efficient than the NHS option, however you should check that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD the doctor will ask you questions regarding your present and previous behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits are affecting your life right now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how you have been affected by these traits in your life prior to making an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.