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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and there are times when people are diagnosed with other condition that may be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask why you think you may have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to get medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll have to visit your GP and tell them why you think you might have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to specialists to conduct an assessment. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety of tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create a report based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will share their recommendations with you which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with medication.
You might find that some doctors aren't willing to recommend you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful tips on this subject.
In England, it is your legal right to pick the location where you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a long process and you may have to wait years for an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right to Choose route. This is a new legal right that allows if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be sent to a private practitioner via this route.
If you choose to sign this agreement then your GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. The specialist will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD, or not.
If it is found that ADHD may be the reason behind your issue, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any medication options and, if decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or at work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health conditions. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition.
You may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the organization to which you are referred for your examination. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before visit the following website , it may be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will also consist of a physical examination and interviews with parents as well as teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information collected is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be a further appointment that could involve several tests including psychological tests and brain imaging to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people opt to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on where you live. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS however it is important to understand that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these problems. Unfortunately, due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the best course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with an individual mental health professional. This is usually quicker than the NHS option, however you should check whether your GP has a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask you 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 traits affect your life today. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and note down instances of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life prior to making an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.