How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with other illness that might explain their issues better for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to obtain it. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and will require you to fill out some forms or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of tools and approaches such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you as well as your family members and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment that is based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will share their recommendations with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should start treatment with a medication.
You might find that some doctors are not willing to make an appointment to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful tips on this subject.
In England you have the legal right to decide where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and doesn't cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You can attempt to access services via Right to Choose. adhd assessment cost has some tips regarding this.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years to receive an answer. You can also use the "Right to choose" option. 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 ask to be referred to a private provider through this route.
If you do this you must inform your GP must agree to this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you've selected. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private practitioner of your choosing. Before completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years older. The clinician will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for support at school or work. Any costs will be discussed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an evaluation
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the clinic to whom you're referred for your examination. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much more efficient.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation with regularized questions. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it is common for people's minds to go in a blank space when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety of tests including brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to have a private ADHD assessment. This is growing in popularity as waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK there are a number of organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private assessments can be quicker than those conducted through the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could aid in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to go private and pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an effective treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. This is something you should be aware of prior to completing your assessment. adhd assessment liverpool will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK You may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the 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 provider. This is typically more efficient than the NHS option, however you must ensure whether your GP has the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
When you're tested for ADHD Your 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 are affecting your life right now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and then record instances of the ways you have been affected by these traits in your life before going for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.