How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you could be able to obtain it. You will need to go to your GP and explain why you suspect you have ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you to an expert for an evaluation. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD signs and symptoms they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples if asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they get and create an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medication.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth seeking out a different 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 choose where you receive 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 for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can try to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. First, you can take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This can be a long procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years to get a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a legal right that allows you to request the referral of private providers if you think the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to do this, your GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately due to the fact that they lack experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication.
In most cases, you will then be able to make an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire 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 believe that your symptoms could be due to ADHD, or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or workplace. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss medication options. If it is determined that medication is required and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your doctor and any fees for this will be discussed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide assistance and advice for free between appointments by email or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that gives you the right to choose the clinic that you're referred to for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation using regularized questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.
The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This is an additional appointment that could include a range of tests including psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD according to the area you reside. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through 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 relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available if you don't have a GP referral. adhd assessment uk cost will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and then record instances of instances where you've experienced these traits in your life prior to scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open up many treatment options and provide an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.