How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be long, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to see your GP and tell them why you suspect you have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use different tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account using the information they've gathered. Then, they will discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary, you should begin treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another doctor who is more accommodating. diva adhd assessment -UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England, you are entitled under the law to choose which GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when 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 accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to recommend you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait years for an answer. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" route. This is a legal right which permits you to request a referral to a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed particularly because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most instances, you will be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be due to ADHD, or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. They will then arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is required and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any fees are discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments via email or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often, it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
It could take for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. Talk to your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you're recommended. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole 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 systematic clinical evaluation with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them.
The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It is crucial to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people prefer to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK, there are many companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than using the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these problems. Due to the increasing number of people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some individuals opt to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
Once how do i get assessed for adhd 've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the situation you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This is typically more efficient than the NHS option, however you should check that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
If you are tested for ADHD the doctor 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 traits are affecting your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and record instances of the ways you have encountered these characteristics in your life before scheduling an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can open the door to many treatment options, and can provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.