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 lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and listen to why you believe you might have ADHD. Your GP will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. Consult 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. You'll need to go to your GP and explain how you suspect that you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP must take this seriously, and they will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare an inventory of the specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety of tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you as well as your family members and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they gather and create a report. Then, they will discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with a medication.
There are a few GPs are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is best to find a different GP who can be 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 pick the location that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the cost of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable make 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 reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on the location you reside in. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years to receive an answer. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose route. This is a new legal right that allows when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be referred to a private provider by this method.
If you choose to do this you must inform your GP must accept this, and sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires.
In most cases, you will then be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the reason behind your issue In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or workplace. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is necessary then your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations related to support at school or work will be discussed with your physician and any fees are discussed prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by emails or phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You might have to wait a while to get an assessment from the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you're being referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and can make the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They'll then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.
The assessment will include physical examinations as well as 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 will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child suffer from ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment that could involve a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact your relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the best option for you will be.
You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option even if you don't have GP referral. diva assessment for adhd will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS method, but it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
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 ask about how these traits impact your life today. Before you go to an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can lead to many treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.