How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other conditions that can better explain their issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to get medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll have 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 will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to make a list of specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety tools and approaches such as 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 assessment report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with a medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or will not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to choose which GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help 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 can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years before getting an appointment. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" option. This is a legal option that allows you to request a referral to a private provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this then your GP must accept this, and must also sign a'shared care agreement' with the service provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately due to the fact that they lack experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most cases, you will then be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider of your choice. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options and, if 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 doctor and any charges for this will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments through email or short phone calls.
3. Go for an evaluation
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
You may have to wait a while to get an assessment from the NHS. If adhd assessment scotland worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the organisation to which you are referred for your evaluation. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. note down your experiences, as it is common for people's minds to become completely blank when discussing their own experiences.
The assessment will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. It is essential that the information gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD then he'll refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a second appointment and may involve several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can check out a list of them here, or you can consult your GP about which option 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 cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in different areas of life, for example relationships or work, so 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 lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, as it will help 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 need to be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm that your GP will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your current and past behaviors. 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 daily life. Before attending psychiatry-uk adhd assessment , it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can result in various treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.