How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. The GP should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Consult your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to access it. You will need explain to your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously, and they will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool before they refer you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to provide examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and techniques, such as symptoms checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create an assessment that is based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.
If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you to an evaluation or doesn'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 have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England, you have the legal right to choose where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to achieve progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and you may end up waiting years to get an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice option. This is a legal right that allows you to request the referral of private providers if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you decide to do this then your GP must agree to this, and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private service that you like. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The clinician will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or work. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss medication options. If adhd assessment uk free determine that medication is necessary then your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any charges for this will be discussed prior to starting. The majority of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment done by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the disorder.
You might have to wait for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. Talk to your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you are recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should write down examples, as it's common for people's minds to be blank when talking about their own experience.
The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It's important that the information collected is accurate and as complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults with ADHD. This is a second appointment that may include various tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people choose to take a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD based on the area you reside. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For example it can impact relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can aid in resolving these issues. Due to the increase 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 allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
Once adhd assessment liverpool 've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to develop an action plan for treating the disorder. This could include treatment with medication or CBT. This is something to consider before your assessment. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you should be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will assess your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This route is often quicker than the NHS route, however it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner.
When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your past and present behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits affect your life now. Before attending an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. 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 better relationships and lead to a happier life.