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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK Finding an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other disorders which can explain their problems, such as anxiety or depression. Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. adhd assessment women should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment. 1. See your GP In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to obtain medication if this is appropriate for you. You will need explain to your GP how you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you a specialist for an assessment. Adults should prepare a list that includes specific ADHD symptoms and traits they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples when asked. Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ a variety of tools and methods, including checklists for symptom identification and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also interview you, your family members, and other people who know you well. They will take the information they receive and write a report. They will then discuss their recommendations with you which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with medication. If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS, it may be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK has some great information on this subject on their website here. In England, you have a legal right to choose which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long as the service is available through the NHS and doesn't cost more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to get an improvement from your local CCG or GP, you can contact ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can attempt to access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this. 2. Request a reference Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different ways to get an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you may end up waiting years to get an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a legal option that allows you to request the referral of an outside provider when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you do this, then your GP must be in agreement with this, and must also sign a “shared care agreement” with the service provider you have chosen. However, the majority of doctors do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication. In most cases, you will then be able to make an appointment with the private provider of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The clinician will inform you if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not. If it is found that ADHD could be the reason behind your issue You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or work place. They will then arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If it is determined that medication is required, your GP will then be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions regarding assistance at school or at work. Any fees are agreed upon prior to beginning. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, either via email or brief phone calls. 3. Get an assessment It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field. You might have to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Consult your GP if you're worried about the wait time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the company to which you're being referred. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much more efficient. When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then carry out an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be helpful to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget their experiences when discussing them. The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is accurate and as complete as it can be, so that the psychiatrist can provide you with the most accurate diagnosis. If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child suffer from ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that may include a variety tests like brain images and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD. Some people choose to go private for their ADHD assessment – this is becoming more popular as waiting lists through the NHS continue to grow. There are many organizations in the UK which offer private assessments of ADHD according to the location you reside in. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can ease these issues. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. Waiting times can be long. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could involve CBT or medication. This is something to be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the most effective treatment for you. You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the situation you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines. If you are unable to get a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This process is typically faster than the NHS pathway, but it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private doctor. Your doctor will ask questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about how these traits affect your life today. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and then note down instances of the ways you have experienced these traits in your own life prior to scheduling an appointment. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It opens the door to many treatment options, and can give you a sense of self-understanding and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.