How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP what you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and may ask you to fill in several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will use a range of techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.
If you discover that your GP is not willing to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth looking for another doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great tips on this issue on their website here.
In England it is your legal right to choose that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact 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. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. gp adhd assessment is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. It can be a lengthy process, and you may end up waiting several years to receive an appointment. You can also use the "Right to Choose" option. This is a legal right which permits you to request the referral of an outside provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to go this route the GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed particularly because they lack experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private service of your choosing. Prior to completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years older. The clinician will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the cause of your problem In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If adhd assessment psychiatry uk determine that medication is needed then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations regarding support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any costs are discussed before starting. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, via emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an evaluation
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You might have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice', a new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organisation to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. They'll then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. note down your experiences, as it is common for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It's important that the information gathered is accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This will be a further appointment and may involve various tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD according to where you live. You can find a list here, or talk to your GP about which option would be best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact your relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis could aid in resolving these problems. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be medication or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the best option 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 should be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically faster than the NHS option, however you should ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviours. 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. Before going to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and to record 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 doors to many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.