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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The waiting lists can be lengthy, and people may be diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties such as anxiety or depression. Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may have ADHD. The doctor will then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment. 1. Check with your GP In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to access medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll have to see your GP and explain how you suspect you have ADHD and the impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you an expert for an assessment. For adults, it's particularly important to prepare a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when you are asked. Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use various tools and techniques, such as symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendations are and it could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications. 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 may be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here. In England, you have the legal right to choose the location where your GP suggests you get an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for assistance in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can try to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this. 2. Request a recommendation Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This can be a long procedure, and in some cases you could wait for years to get an appointment. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose' pathway. This is a brand new legal right that allows when you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be directed to a private service by this method. If you opt to sign this agreement then your GP will need to approve and sign a “shared care agreement” with the healthcare provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been privately diagnosed particularly because they lack the expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires. In most instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private service you prefer. Before you can complete 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 caused by ADHD or not. After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they'll typically send you home with an additional questionnaire to complete for your workplace or school. They will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is needed then your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. The doctor will also discuss other recommendations regarding support at school or work. The cost of any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Most private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments by email or short phone calls. 3. Get an assessment Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition. You may have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice', a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organization to which you are referred for your evaluation. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process quicker. The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with regularized questions. It is helpful to learn about the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and note down your experiences, as it's common for people's minds to become blank when talking about their own experience. The assessment will also include a physical examination and interviews with family members teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete information to make the most accurate diagnosis. If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child have ADHD and they'll recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that may include a variety of tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD. how do i get my son assessed for adhd choose to take a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as the waiting lists for the NHS continue to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK, there are numerous organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can look up a list here, or you can speak to your GP about which one would be best for you. Private examinations are generally faster than relying on the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that your health insurance may not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause serious problems in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can help with these problems. Unfortunately, because of a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait times can be long. Some individuals opt to go through a private clinic and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could involve medication or CBT therapy. It is important to consider this prior to when you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the best option for you is. Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines. If you don't receive a referral from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This is often quicker than the NHS option, however you should check whether your GP has the “Shared Care Agreement” with your private physician. If you are tested for ADHD Your doctor will ask questions about your current and past behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these traits affect your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and then write down examples of how you have encountered these characteristics in your life before going for an appointment. A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It can lead to 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 a fulfilled life.