How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and sometimes patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their challenges better like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to visit your GP and explain how you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and will ask you to fill in some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an account that is based on the information they have received. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should start treatment with a medication.
You may find that some GPs are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful advice on this topic.
In England it is your legal right to choose 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 what you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an answer. You can also use the 'Right to Choose" route. This is a legal right which allows you to request an appointment with private providers in the event that you believe the NHS wait 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 service provider you've chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they do not have the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most cases, you'll be able to make an appointment with the private service you prefer. Prior to completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. of age. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation, if it is thought that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they'll typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or work. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If adhd assessment scotland determine that medication is required then your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments via 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 disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. If adhd assessment glasgow worried about the waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right of Choice' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organization to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much more efficient.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an extensive history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with standardised questions. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to note down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when they talk about 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 accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child has ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment and may involve various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to have a private ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can find a list here, or you can talk to your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private assessments can be quicker than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For instance, it can affect relationships and work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve CBT or medication. It is something you must consider before your assessment. It will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
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 need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This is often more efficient than the NHS route, but you should check that your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you are assessed for ADHD, your expert will ask you questions regarding your present and previous 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 right now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to note down instances of how you have encountered these characteristics in your own life prior to scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.