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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and listen to why you believe you might 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 through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you could be able to obtain it. You will need to go to your GP and tell them why you suspect that you may have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to prepare a list of specific ADHD traits 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 have ADHD, and they will employ a variety of tools and approaches such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write a report that is based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is and it could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary to begin treatment with medication.
If you discover that your GP is not willing to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful information on this topic.
In England, it is your legal right to pick the location where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the cost of the service is not more than the amount you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you are unable make progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. You can first go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years before getting a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the "Right to choose" pathway. This is a legal option that permits you to request a referral to private providers if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this, then your GP must accept this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you have chosen. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private service that you like. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (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 behind your issue In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or workplace. Then, they'll schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any medication options, and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding support at school or work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Talk to your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you're being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the entire process more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They will then carry out an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to be familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to go completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can give you the most precise diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD or other disorders, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. assessed for adhd is a second appointment that may include a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, to determine the severity of the disorder.
assessment adhd opt to have a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK there are a number of companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or talk to your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however, it's important to understand that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life such as relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be CBT or medication. This is something you should be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with an individual mental health professional. This is usually faster than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm that your GP will accept an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask you questions about your current and past behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting 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 traits have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and may provide 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.