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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other disorders that can better explain their issues, such as depression or anxiety. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and listen to why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment. 1. Consult your GP In England and Wales, you can access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you could be able to get it. You'll have to go to your GP and explain how you think you might be suffering from ADHD and what impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to a specialist for an evaluation. Adults should make an outline of specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when asked. Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ various tools and methods, including symptom checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and other people who know you well. They will take the information they gather and then write a report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate to begin treatment with medications. If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful tips on this subject. In England you have the legal right to decide which GP suggests you get 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 get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here. 2. Request a recommendation There are two ways to get an ADHD assessment, based on where you live. First, you can take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy process, and sometimes you could wait for several years to receive a diagnosis. You can also opt for the 'Right to Choose option. This is a legal right that allows you to request a referral to a private provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you opt to go this route, your GP must agree and sign an “shared care agreement” with the provider you've chosen. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately due to the fact that they do not have the expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires. In most cases you can then book an appointment with a private provider that you like. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years older. The specialist will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are related to ADHD or not. After the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will usually send you away with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. Then they will arrange an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is needed then your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for assistance at school or at work. Any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers offer free advice and assistance between appointments by emails or phone calls of a short duration. 3. Take a look at the assessment It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition. You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic to which you are referred for your examination. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much more efficient. The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily routine. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with the same set of questions. It can be helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and write down examples, as it is common for people's minds to go completely blank when discussing their own experiences. The assessment will include physical examinations and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. It is essential to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most exact diagnosis. If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. how to get assessed for adhd uk will be a further appointment that may include a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder. Some people decide to take a private ADHD evaluation – this is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to grow. Based on where you live in the UK, there are a number of companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or you can consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause significant problems in many areas of life like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Due to the rise in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. Waiting times can be lengthy. Some individuals opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to formulate a treatment plan. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, as it will help determine what the most effective 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 will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines. If you don't receive an appointment from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS route, but you must ensure that your GP accepts the “Shared Care Agreement” with your private physician. Your doctor will ask 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 about how these traits impact your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and to write down examples of instances where you've been affected by these traits in your life prior to going for an appointment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can result in a variety of treatment options and create a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.