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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other disorders that better explain their difficulties like anxiety or depression. Your GP should listen to your concerns and help you understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. The doctor should then refer you the NHS to conduct an 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 access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to go to your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP should take this seriously and will ask you to fill in some forms or a screening tool before 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. Prepare to provide examples if asked. Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will use a range of methods and tools, 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 receive and then write an assessment report. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary, you should begin treatment with medication. If you discover that your GP is not willing to refer you to an assessment or refuses to prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful information on this subject on their website here. In England you are entitled under the law to choose the location where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost you more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You may be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions on this subject here. 2. Request a reference Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct ways to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. You can also use the 'Right to Choose” 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 opt to sign this agreement, your GP must agree and sign a “shared care agreement” with the service provider you've selected. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication. In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private service of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaires with you and your child (if older than 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will then provide you with an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD, or not. After the initial evaluation If it is believed that ADHD might be causing your issues, they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. Then assess adhd will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is needed and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. assessed for adhd will also discuss other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide free advice and support between appointments, via emails or short phone calls. 3. Take advantage of an assessment Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often, it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. You may need to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organisation to whom you are recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much faster. When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. record examples, since it's common for people's minds to be blank when talking about their own experience. The test will consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis. If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children suffer from ADHD and he is concerned, he will recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment that could include a variety of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD. Some people decide to have a private ADHD assessment – this is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS 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 speak to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas like relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. The waiting times for assessments can be lengthy. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you get your assessment, as it will help determine what the best option for you will be. Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able to access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation you'll be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms and determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines. If you don't receive a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health service. This is often quicker than the NHS option, however you should ensure that your GP accepts an “Shared Care Agreement” with your private clinician. Your specialist will ask questions regarding your past and current behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics affect your life now. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record instances of instances where you've been affected by these traits in your life prior to scheduling an appointment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and can provide an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.