How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may be a better explanation for their problems like anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might 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 there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you may be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may require you to fill out some forms or a screening tool before they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will make use of various tools and techniques, such as symptoms checklists and scales to assess your behavior. diva assessment for adhd will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they gather and create an account. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medications.
You may find that some GPs are not willing to refer you to an assessment or not be able 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, you are entitled under the law to choose which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG You can request ICAS to help you submit 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 attempt to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this.
2. Ask for a reference
There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to recommend you. This can be a long process, and you'll have to wait years before getting an appointment. You can also use the "Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of private providers when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to go this route the GP must agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately due to the fact that they lack the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In most cases you can then make an appointment with a private service you prefer. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. old. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is required and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either via emails or phone calls.
3. Take advantage of an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with expertise in the field.
You might have to wait a while to get an assessment through the NHS. Consult your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organisation to whom you are recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process quicker.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. record examples, since it's common for people's minds to go blank when talking about their own experience.
The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most exact diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children suffer from ADHD then he'll recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that could include a range of tests like psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people choose to go private for their ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or talk to your GP about which option is best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than using the NHS however, it's important to understand that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life, for example relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. This is something you should consider before your assessment. It will help you decide the best course of treatment for you.
You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life right now. Before attending an appointment, it is helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.