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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be long and some people are diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems like anxiety or depression. 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 receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to obtain medication if it is suitable for you. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you might 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 several questionnaires or a screening instrument before they send you to a specialist to have an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to give examples if requested. Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety methods and tools, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they gather and then write an assessment report. why are adhd assessments so expensive will then discuss with you what their recommendations are and it could 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 advice on this topic. In England, it is your legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the cost of the service does not exceed the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidance. You can access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this. 2. Ask for a referral There are two ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation, depending on the area you live in. The one is to use the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a lengthy process and you may need to wait years for an appointment. You can also take advantage of the “Right to Choose” option. This is a legal right which permits you to request the referral of an outside provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you do this then your GP must agree to this, and must also sign a “shared-care agreement” with the service provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed due to the fact that they do not have the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it. In the majority of cases, you can make an appointment with a private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be due to ADHD, or not. If it is found that ADHD may be the cause of your problem In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is required, your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions for support at school or at work. Any costs will be discussed prior to starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and support between appointments, via emails or phone calls. 3. Take advantage of an evaluation It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition. You might have to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, ask your GP about 'Right to choose' – a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organisation that you're referred to for your evaluation. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and will make the whole process much more efficient. When you go for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect a detailed account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. why are adhd assessments so expensive will then carry out a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. It is helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. You should note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to become in a blank space when discussing their own experiences. The examination will also include a physical examination and interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist will need accurate and complete information to make the most accurate diagnosis. If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child have ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that could involve several tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will determine the severity 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. Based on where you live in the UK there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a list here, or talk to your GP about which option is best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's important to understand that health insurance does not pay for the costs. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life. For instance it can impact your relationships or work. An accurate diagnosis could aid in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some people opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment sooner. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is putting an effective treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you have your assessment, because it will help you determine what the best course of action for you will be. You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you should be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines. Self-referral is an option even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health professional will conduct an ADHD assessment. This process is typically faster than the NHS method, but it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician. When you are assessed for ADHD Your doctor will ask you questions about your current and past behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits are affecting your life now. Before going to an appointment, it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life. A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It can open up a variety of treatments and offer an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and lead to a happier life.