How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If book adhd assessment uk is prescribed for you, you might be able to obtain it. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to specialists to conduct an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if requested.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and methods, including symptom checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and other people who know you very well. They will review the information they get and then write a report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with medications.
If you discover that your GP is unwilling to refer you to 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. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England it is your 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 does not exceed what you would have to 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 approach ICAS for help in submitting 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 might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct ways to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy process and you may need to wait for years to receive an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a brand new legal right that means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be directed to a private service through this route.
If you decide to do this you must inform your GP must agree to this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you have chosen. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The clinician will then give you an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD may be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. Then, they'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is necessary then your GP will then be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support 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 by email or phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often, it's misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
You might have to wait a while to get an assessment from the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you are being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much more efficient.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. book adhd assessment uk is essential that the information collected is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that may include a range of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people prefer to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK, there are a number of companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas. For example it can impact relationships and work. A clear diagnosis can help in resolving these issues. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate 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 best course of action for you will be.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you must be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically faster than the NHS option, however you should check whether your GP has a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your current and past behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits are affecting your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and to write down examples of the ways you have experienced these traits in your own life prior to going for an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It can result in many treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.