What You Must Forget About The Need To Improve Your How To Get An ADHD Assessment
How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
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 like depression or anxiety.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. They will 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 might be possible to obtain medication if it's appropriate for you. You will need to visit your GP and explain how you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it is having on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and will ask you to complete the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you a specialist for an evaluation. For adults, it will be especially important to create a list of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will use a range of tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. They will take the information they receive and then write an account. Then, they will discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication.
You might find that some GPs are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it's best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject.
In England you have the legal right to choose where you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed what you would have to pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to 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 regulations. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The first is to go through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years to receive an answer. 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 sent to a private practitioner through this route.
If you decide to do this then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you have chosen. However, a majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In most cases you can make an appointment with a private service that you like. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The clinician will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be due to ADHD or not.
After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your issues, they'll typically send you an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is necessary and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or work. Any fees will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, via email or brief phone calls.
3. Go for an evaluation
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health conditions. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Ask your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organization to which you are recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much quicker.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with standardised questions. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. note down your experiences, as it's common for people's minds to be in a blank space when discussing their own experiences.
The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete data to make the best diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child suffer from ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that could include a range of tests like brain images and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD.
Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private assessments are often quicker than relying on the NHS, but it's important to know that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For example, it can affect work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis could help in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the best option for you will be.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you live in the UK. If assessment adhd is the case you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with an individual mental health professional. This is typically quicker than the NHS option, however you should check that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your specialist will ask questions regarding your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to note down instances of how you have experienced these traits in your own life prior to making an appointment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can result in many treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.