How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to go to your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and traits they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. They will review the information they gather and then write an account. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary to begin treatment with a medication.
You might find that some doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful advice about this on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to decide the location where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, so long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you 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 try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips regarding this here.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you may end up waiting years to get a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the "Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right which allows you to request an appointment with a private provider when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to do this then your GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've selected. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who 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 practitioner you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the reason for your problems You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or workplace. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication, and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any charges for this will be discussed before starting. The majority of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
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 method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the company to which you are recommended. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and makes the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down your experiences and be familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete data to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK there are a number of organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however, it's important to understand that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some individuals choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could include CBT or medication. This is something to think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK You may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If cheap adhd assessment uk is the situation, you will be directed 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 refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is essential to ensure that your GP is willing to sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your past and current behavior. 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 life now. Before going to free adhd assessment uk , it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can lead to many treatment options and create an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.