How To Get An ADHD Assessment: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know Earlier
How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be long, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you may 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 may be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to explain to your GP why you believe you may have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and may request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening tool before they recommend you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and methods, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write a report based on the information they've gathered. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with medication.
If you discover that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great tips on this issue on their website here.
In England, it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD assessment, as long as the service you receive is offered by the NHS, and the cost of the service is not more than what you would pay if you went directly to the NHS. If you're not able to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This can be a long process, and you'll have to wait years before getting an appointment. You can also use the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a legal right that allows you to request a referral to a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you do this then your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most instances, you will be able to schedule an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (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 could be caused by ADHD, or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the cause of your problem In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or workplace. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is needed and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any costs are agreed upon prior to starting. The majority of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who is specialized in the condition.
You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. Ask your GP for advice if you're concerned about the wait time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you are recommended. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the entire process quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be helpful to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when they discuss them.
The assessment will also include a physical examination and interviews with parents teachers, colleagues and family members. It is essential that the information collected is accurate and as complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that may include a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain imaging to aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. Depending on where you reside in the UK, there are numerous organizations that provide private assessments for ADHD. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than relying on the NHS however, it's crucial to be aware that your health insurance may not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause serious problems in different areas of life like work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some individuals choose 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 an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the best course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the situation you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. how do you get assessed for adhd will conduct an ADHD assessment. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private practitioner.
When you're tested for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your current and past 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 right now. Before attending an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to determine ADHD and write down examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It can open up many treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.