How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their challenges better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. diva adhd assessment 'll need to tell your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and will request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening instrument before they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to give examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write a report that is based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with a medication.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to refer you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England, it is your legal right to choose the place where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside 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 suggestions about this here.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you'll have to wait years to get an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice option. This is a legal option that permits you to request the referral of 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 must agree to this, and sign a'shared care agreement' with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most cases, you'll 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 doctor will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they think that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If getting assessed for adhd is determined that ADHD may be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires to your workplace or school. They will then set up a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options and, if found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or 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 way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has had experience with the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organization that you're referred to for your evaluation. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process quicker.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation with regularized questions. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is 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. It is essential that the information collected is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your children are suffering from ADHD and he is concerned, he will refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be a further appointment that could involve various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. There are different organisations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however it is important to know that your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in many areas of life such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. It is something you must consider before your assessment. 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 through the NHS. If this is the case, you must be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This process is typically 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 clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your current and past behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits affect your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and note down instances of the ways you have encountered these characteristics in your life prior to making an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can open up various treatments and offer an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.