How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and sometimes patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their issues better for example, depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and consider the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you could be able to get it. You will need to go to your GP and explain why you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to specialists to conduct an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will make use of different tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and other people who know you very well. They will review the information they get and then write a report. Then, they will discuss their recommendation with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should start treatment with a medication.
There are adhd assessment glasgow are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not be able to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it's best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England, you have the legal right to decide where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than the NHS directly. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.
2. Request a recommendation
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. The one is to use the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy procedure and you could have to wait for years for an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice' pathway. 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 request to be referred to a private provider via this route.
If you choose to go this route the GP will have to agree and sign an "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately particularly because they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it.
In the majority of instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private service of your choice. Before you can complete the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years of age. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the root cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance to discuss any options for medication and if it is found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any costs for this will be agreed prior to starting. Full Article of private providers offer free advice and support between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Go for an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
You may need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose', a brand new NHS initiative that grants you the option of choosing the organisation that you're referred to for your examination. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting lists and can make the whole process much faster.
The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with regularized 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 they discuss them.
The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It is essential that the information collected is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment and may involve various tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder.
Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD according to the area you reside. You can find a list here, or speak to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas such as relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. The wait times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. This is something to think about prior to your assessment. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on the location you reside in the UK. If adhd assessment glasgow is the case, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually more efficient than the NHS method, but you should ensure that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about the way these traits impact your life today. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and note down instances of how you have experienced these traits in your own life prior to going for an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It can open up various treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.