How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS 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 might be able to access it. You will need to see your GP and explain how you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may require you to fill out some questionnaires or a screening instrument before they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should make a list that includes specific ADHD signs and symptoms they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will use different tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and scales to assess your behavior. diva assessment for adhd will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you very well. They will take the information they get and create an account. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to make an appointment for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great information on this subject on their website here.
In England it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is provided by the NHS and the price of the service isn't more than what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Ask for a referral
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for an answer. You can also take advantage of the "Right to Choose" option. This is a brand new legal right that means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be directed to a private service via this route.
If you decide to sign this agreement the GP will need to approve and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for 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 make an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. 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 an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms are due to ADHD, or not.
If it is found that ADHD may be the reason behind your issue, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is required then your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations related to support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any fees are discussed before starting. Most private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments by email or short phone calls.
3. Go for an evaluation
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Ask your GP if you're worried about the wait time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you are being referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much more efficient.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical assessment using the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to note down your experiences and be familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with parents, teachers and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as precise and complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can give you the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD then he'll refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment that may include several tests including psychological tests and brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people choose to go private for their ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. There are getting an assessment for adhd in the UK that offer private assessments of ADHD according to the location you reside in. You can look up a list here, or you can talk to your GP about which one is the best one for you. Private exams can be more efficient than using the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Unfortunately, because of a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. Some individuals choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them to avoid 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 be CBT or medication. It is important to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the best option for you will be.
You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you must be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician who will evaluate your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
You can self-refer even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually quicker than the NHS route, but you must ensure whether your doctor has signed an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your expert 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 inquire about how these traits affect your life today. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and then note down instances of instances where you've experienced these traits in your life prior to going for an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing event. It can open up many treatment options and create an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and lead to a happier life.