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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 illness that might explain their issues better like depression or anxiety. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment. 1. See your GP In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you might be able to access it. You will need to visit your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and may ask you to fill in several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they send you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they encounter on a regular basis. Be prepared to give examples if requested. Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety tools and approaches including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you as well as your family members and others who know you well. They will review the information they get and create an account. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate, that you start treatment with medications. If you find that your GP is not willing to refer you to an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worthwhile looking for a different doctor who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful advice about this on their website here. In England, you are entitled under the law to decide the location where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside 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 suggestions on this subject here. 2. Request a recommendation There are two ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation, depending on the location you reside in. The first is to take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years for an answer. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This is a legal option that allows you to request a referral to a private provider when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you decide to do this, your GP must agree and sign a “shared care agreement” with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, most GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication. In the majority of cases, you can then book an appointment with a private provider that you like. Before completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. older. The specialist will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not. If it is found that ADHD could be the root reason for your problems In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. They will then arrange an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. The appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any medication options and, if determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. how to get an adhd assessment Iam Psychiatry of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or phone calls. 3. Get an evaluation It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition. There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Ask your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organization to which you're being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much faster. When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using standardised questions. It can be helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. record examples, since it's normal for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experiences. The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members and colleagues. It's important that the information gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis. If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment that may include a variety of tests including psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD. Some people opt to go private for their ADHD evaluation – this is growing in popularity as waiting lists for the NHS continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK there are many companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here, or you can consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS, but it's important to know that your health insurance will not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact your work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Due to the increasing number of 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 assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner. After 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 think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you. Depending on where you reside in the UK, you may be able to get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines. Self-referral is an option if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This route is often quicker than the NHS pathway, but it is crucial to confirm whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private practitioner. Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and record instances of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life prior to going for an appointment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It can lead to many treatments and offer a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.