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 condition that may be a better explanation for their problems like anxiety or depression.
psychiatry-uk adhd assessment should consider your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. The GP 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 this is appropriate for you. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and will ask you to fill in some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account based on the information they have received. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate, you should begin treatment with a medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful advice about this on their website here.
In England it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed what you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy process and you may have to wait for years to receive an answer. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose route. This is a legal right that permits you to request the referral of private providers in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this, then your GP must agree to this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then book an appointment with a private provider you prefer. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child if they are older than 11 years older. The clinician will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason for your problems In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is required then your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations related to support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any charges are discussed before starting. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
You may have to wait a while to get an assessment from the NHS. Consult your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the company to which you're being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process more efficient.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experience.
The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children are suffering from ADHD then he'll refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment which could include a range of tests like psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or speak to your GP about which one would be best for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For example it can impact your relationships and work. A clear diagnosis can aid in resolving these issues. Due to the increasing number of people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The wait times can be lengthy. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an effective treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is something you must consider before your evaluation. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is typically quicker than the NHS option, however you should ensure whether your doctor has signed an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
If you are tested for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your past and present behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits impact your life now. Before attending an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.