How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems for example, anxiety or depression.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you think you may have ADHD. The GP should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you could be able to obtain it. You'll need to explain to your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP must take this seriously, and they will ask you to fill in several questionnaires or a screening tool before they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to prepare a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will make use of different methods and tools, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you have 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 doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. are adhd assessments covered by insurance -UK have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here.
In England, you have the legal right to choose the location where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for assistance 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 might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a long procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years before getting a diagnosis. You may also opt for the "Right to Choose" option. 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 ask to be sent to a private practitioner via this route.
If you choose to do this you must inform your GP must be in agreement with this, and also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the service provider you have chosen. However, a majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most cases you can then make an appointment with a private service that you like. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms may be due to ADHD or not.
After the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD may be causing your issues, they'll usually send you away with an additional questionnaire to complete for your school or work. They will then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is needed, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be agreed upon before beginning. The majority of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either via email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is by having an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP to discuss the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the company to which you're referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much more efficient.
If adhd diagnostic assessment london are undergoing an ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed description of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using the same set of questions. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and note down your experiences, as it is common for people's minds to go blank when talking about their own experience.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete data to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment that may include a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people choose to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. adhd assessment in uk is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a list here, or you can speak to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve CBT or medication. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you reside in the UK depending on where you live, you might be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the case, you need to be referred to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
If you are tested for ADHD, your expert will ask questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. Before you go to 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 many treatment options, and may provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilled life.