How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, patients are diagnosed with a other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may have ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to get medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll have to visit your GP and explain why you suspect you be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to specialists for an evaluation. Adults should make an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ a variety of tools and techniques, such as symptoms checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will create a report that is based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medication.
If you find that your doctor is unable to refer you to an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great information on this subject on their website here.
In England you are entitled under the law to decide which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in submitting 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 can try to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two possible ways to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This can be a lengthy 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 brand new legal right which means that when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be sent to a private practitioner via this route.
If you opt to sign this agreement the GP must agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they do not have the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In diva adhd assessment , you will be able to book an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, or not.
Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they'll typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to complete for your workplace or school. They will then arrange a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is necessary, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your specialist and any charges for this will be discussed before starting. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, via emails or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.
You may have to wait a while to get an assessment through the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the company to which you are referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment using the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.
The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD and they'll send you for a complete diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment which could include a range of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people choose to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are many organizations in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD based on the location you reside in. You can look up a list here, or talk to your GP about which one is best for you. Private examinations can be faster than 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 example it can impact your relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these issues. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is something you must think about prior to your assessment. It will help you decide the most effective treatment 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 case, you need to be referred to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician who will evaluate your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is an option in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically more efficient than the NHS route, but you should ensure that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
When you're tested for ADHD the doctor will ask questions regarding your present and previous behaviors. 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 now. Before attending an appointment, it is beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can open up many treatment options and provide an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.