How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult 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 could be able to obtain it. You'll need to visit your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to an expert for an assessment. For adults, it will be especially important to create an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety of methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. They will take the information they gather and then write a report. Then, linked web site will discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with medication.
You might find that some GPs are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it's best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful advice on this topic.
In England, you are entitled under the law to choose the location where your GP suggests you 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 achieve progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here.
2. Ask for a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years for an answer. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" option. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be sent to a private practitioner via this route.
If you choose to go this route, your GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, the majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD may be causing your issues, they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. They will then set up a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding support at school or work. Any fees will be agreed upon before beginning. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments via emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. linked web site to identify ADHD is by having an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. Talk to your GP to discuss the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organization to which you're being referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it is common for people's minds to be blank when talking about their own experiences.
The assessment will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will need precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD and he is concerned, he will refer you to a service for adults with ADHD. This is an additional appointment which could include a range of tests, such as brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here, or consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact 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 and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. This is something to be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the best course of treatment for you.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This is usually more efficient than the NHS route, but you should ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
When you are assessed for ADHD the doctor will ask questions regarding your present and previous behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about the way these traits impact your life now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to note down instances of instances where you've been affected by these traits in your life prior to going for an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and can provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.