How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with other illness that might explain their challenges better, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales, you can access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you might be able to access it. You'll have to go to your GP and explain why you suspect that you may have ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and will request you to complete some forms or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to prepare an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will use a range of tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. They will take the information they gather and create a report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate to begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England, it is your legal right to choose the place where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to achieve progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the location you reside in. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a long procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive a diagnosis. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice route. This is a legal right which allows you to request a referral to a private provider if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this, then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you've chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private service 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 specialist will then give you an accurate indication of whether they think that your symptoms are due to ADHD, or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or workplace. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is necessary and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. psychiatry-uk adhd assessment will also discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or at work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Most private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments through email or short phone calls.
3. Go for an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
You may have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the ability to choose the organisation that you're referred to for your examination. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment using standardised questions. Before your appointment, it may be helpful to write down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. psychiatry-uk adhd assessment is common for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.
The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It's important that the information collected is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment and may involve several tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private assessments can be quicker than the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For example it can impact your relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include treatment with medication or CBT. It is important to think about this before you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best option for you will be.
You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you must be taken 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 through a private mental health service. This route is often quicker than the NHS route, however it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your current and past 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 helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing event. It can open the door to many treatment options, and can give you a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.