Your Worst Nightmare Concerning How To Get An ADHD Assessment Get Real
How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be long and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You will need explain to your GP what you think you might have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and will require you to fill out several questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they refer you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should make an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to provide examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use different tools and techniques, such as symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you well. They will review the information they receive and then write a report. They will then discuss their recommendations with you which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to refer you to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it is best to find a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England it is your legal right to choose where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask 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 rules. You might be able try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. First, you can go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you may end up waiting years to get a diagnosis. You can also opt for the 'Right to choose route. This is a legal right that permits you to request an appointment with a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you opt to go this route then your GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you will 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) before completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they think 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 will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. Then they will arrange an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is necessary then your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations regarding support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any charges for this will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either via emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
It could take a while to get an assessment from the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose' - a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the clinic that you're referred to for your assessment. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much quicker.
When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it's common for people's minds to be completely blank when discussing their own experience.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is accurate and as complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child suffer from ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people opt to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK, there are many companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS however it is important to know that your health insurance may not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas like relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is something you must be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you decide the best course of 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 situation, you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This is usually faster than the NHS method, but it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor.
getting an assessment for adhd will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about the way these traits impact your daily life. Before attending an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If getting an assessment for adhd are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can lead to many treatment options and provide an improved sense of self-confidence for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.