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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy and there are times when patients are diagnosed with a other condition that may be a better explanation for their problems like anxiety or depression. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you think you may have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment. 1. Consult your GP In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you might be able to get it. You'll need to explain to your GP what you think you may have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP should be aware of this and may require you to fill out some forms or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if asked. Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will use different tools and techniques, such as symptoms checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family members, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medication. There are a few doctors aren't willing to refer you to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great tips on this issue on their website here. In England you have the legal right to decide the location where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long it is provided through the NHS and doesn't cost you more than the NHS directly. If you're unable to make progress with your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice regarding this here. 2. Request a recommendation There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This can be a long procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years before getting a diagnosis. You may also opt for the “Right to Choose” pathway. This is a legal right that allows you to request the referral of private providers in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you choose to do this, then your GP must be in agreement with this, and also sign a “shared care agreement” with the healthcare provider you've chosen. However, adhd assessment in uk of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements for 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 instances, you will be able to make an appointment with the private provider you prefer. 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 inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not. If it is found that ADHD could be the root reason behind your issue In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questionnaires to your school or work place. They will then schedule an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is needed, your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your doctor and any costs are discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments through email or short phone calls. 3. Take a look at the assessment It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment done by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder. It could take for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organisation to whom you are being referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and can make the process much faster. When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to become completely blank when discussing their own experience. The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete information to make the best diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD and he is concerned, he will refer you to a service for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment which could include a range of tests including brain scans and psychological tests, to determine the extent of ADHD. Some people opt to go private for their ADHD evaluation – this is becoming more popular as the waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. Depending on where you reside in the UK there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than relying on the NHS however it is crucial to be aware that your health insurance may not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause major issues in many areas of life such as work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some people opt to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier. Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to formulate an action plan for treating the disorder. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you will be. You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines. If you do not get an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This is usually faster than the NHS method, but it is essential to ensure that your GP will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician. When you're tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your past and present behaviors. 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 useful to familiarise yourself with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record instances of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life before going for an appointment. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can lead to various treatments and offer an improved sense of self-confidence for adults who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.