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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The wait lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems, such as depression or anxiety. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask 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 obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to access medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to explain to your GP what you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should be aware of this, and they will request you to complete several questionnaires or a screening tool before they send you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to make an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when asked. Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD, and they will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and others who know you well. They will review the information they receive and create an assessment report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with a medication. If you discover that your GP is not willing to refer you for an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth seeking out a different doctor who is more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry-UK offers helpful tips on this subject. In England you are entitled under the law to choose which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and doesn't cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You may be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice about this here. 2. Ask for a referral There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on the location you reside in. You can first use the NHS by asking your GP to refer. This can be a long process, and sometimes you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the 'Right to Choose” pathway. This is a legal right which allows you to request an appointment with private providers in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you opt to do this, your GP will need to approve and sign an “shared care agreement” with the provider you've chosen. However, the majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication. In the majority of cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. 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. old. The specialist will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not. If it is determined that ADHD could be the reason for your problems, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires to your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. The appointment will be a chance 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 for you. adhd assessment psychiatry uk will also discuss any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. The cost of any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide assistance and advice for free between appointments via email or short phone calls. 3. Take advantage of an assessment It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has experience in the condition. You might have to wait for an assessment to be completed 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 option of choosing the organisation to whom you're recommended. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and can make the process much quicker. If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. It can be helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to be in a blank space when discussing their own experience. The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete information to make the most accurate diagnosis. If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a second appointment that could involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder. Some people choose to have a private ADHD assessment – this is becoming more popular as waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause significant problems in different areas of life such as work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these problems. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to cope and waiting for appointments can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could include CBT or medication. This is something you should consider before your evaluation. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you. You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you should be taken to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will examine your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines. If you don't receive an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician. Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about the way these traits impact your life now. Before attending an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and write down examples of how these characteristics have affected your life. A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can open the door to many treatment options, and can provide a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.