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 sometimes patients are diagnosed with a other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you may be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and may request you to complete some forms or a screening tool prior to they refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will write a report that is based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great information on this subject on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to decide the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable to achieve progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can attempt to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for several years to receive an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a brand new legal right which means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.
If you choose to do this then your GP must agree to this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll typically send you some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or work. book adhd assessment uk will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is necessary, your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any fees for this will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, either via emails or 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 confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organization to which you are being referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with standardised questions. It is helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should write down examples, as it is common for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It's important that the information collected is accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment that could involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are many companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or you can consult your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in many areas of life, for example relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include medication or CBT therapy. This is something you should think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective 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 case, you must be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and issue an assessment based on 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 process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is important to check whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
book adhd assessment uk will ask you questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics affect your life now. Before attending an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can result in a variety of treatment options and create an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.