Why You Should Forget About Improving Your How To Get An ADHD Assessment
How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and there are times when people are diagnosed with a different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask why you think you may have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to access medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to tell your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you a specialist to conduct an assessment. For adults, it's especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will use a range of techniques and methods, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and others who know you well. They will consider the information they get and write a report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate, that you start treatment with a medication.
There are a few doctors aren't willing to refer you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it's best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful tips on this subject.
In England you have the legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the cost of the service isn't more than what you would have to pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You may be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you'll have to wait years before getting a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose" option. This is a brand new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be referred to a private provider via this route.
If you do this then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of cases, you can then book an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not.
If it is determined that ADHD could be the root reason behind your issue, you will usually be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. Then, they'll schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any possible medication options, and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls.
3. Take a look at the assessment
Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. 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. If you're worried about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a brand new NHS initiative that gives you the right to choose the organisation that you're referred to for your assessment. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list and could make the process much faster.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to learn about the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experiences.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete information to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD, they will 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 including brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people prefer to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD, depending on where you live. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private examinations are generally faster than using the NHS, but it's important to know that health insurance does not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease 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 lengthy. Some individuals opt to pay for their test privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be treatment with medication or CBT. It is something you must consider before your assessment. It will help you determine the best course of treatment for you.
Depending on where you reside in the UK You may be able to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you must be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will evaluate your symptoms and provide an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually faster than the NHS route, however it is essential to ensure that your GP will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.
Your specialist will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviours. 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. getting an assessment for adhd is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and to write down examples of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life prior to scheduling an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open up a variety of treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.