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 long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to access it. You'll have to go to your GP and explain why you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may ask you to fill in some forms or a screening tool prior to they send you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ different methods and tools, including symptom checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create an account based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medication.
You may find that some GPs are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England you have the legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions about this here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. It can be a lengthy process, and you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. You may also opt for the "Right to Choose" option. This is a legal right that allows you to request the referral of a private provider in the event that you believe 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 a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, the majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't 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. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. of age. adhd assessment uk online will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss medication options. If it is determined that medication is required, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations related to support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any fees for this will be agreed before starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either via email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and write down examples, as it's normal for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The examination will also include physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. It is crucial that the information collected is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety tests like psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD according to the area you reside. You can look up a list here, or you can consult your GP about which option would be best for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact your work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best option for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This is often faster than the NHS method, but you should ensure whether your doctor has signed a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your expert will ask you questions about your past and current 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 going to an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can lead to a variety of treatments and offer a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.