How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS 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 get it. You'll need to visit your GP and explain why you think you might have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you an expert for an evaluation. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ a variety of methods and tools, including checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you well. adhd diagnostic assessment london will take the information they get and write an account. They will then discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.
If you discover that your GP is not willing to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful information on this subject on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to decide which GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost more than the NHS directly. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. The first is to use the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and you'll have to wait years before getting a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the "Right to Choose" pathway. 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, then you can request to be referred to a private provider through this route.
If you choose to do this then your GP must accept 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 for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private service you prefer. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years old. old. The specialist will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD may be the reason behind your issue, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. They will then set up an appointment with you to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is necessary then your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations relating to support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any fees for this will be agreed prior to starting. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an evaluation
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition.
You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you're being referred. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using regularized questions. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people opt to go private for their ADHD evaluation - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can look up a list here, or speak to your GP about which one would be best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example, it can affect relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The wait times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting an effective treatment plan. This could include medication or CBT therapy. It is something you must consider before your assessment. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you should be directed to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician who will evaluate your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer if 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 will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
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 about how these traits affect your daily life. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and then record instances of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life before making an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and can provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.