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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when patients are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their issues better like depression or anxiety. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment. 1. See your GP In England and Wales you can obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS, and it may be possible to access medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to tell your GP how you believe you might have ADHD and the effects it has on your life. Your GP must take this seriously 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 create an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Be prepared to provide examples if requested. Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you have ADHD and will use a range of techniques and methods, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviews with you as well as your family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create a report that is based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis and, if it is appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medication. If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you for 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 website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful information on this topic. In England you have the legal right to choose which GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and doesn't cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for assistance in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidance. You might be able try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips regarding this here. 2. Request a recommendation Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to recommend you. This could be a lengthy process, and sometimes you may end up waiting years before getting a diagnosis. You can also take advantage of the “Right to Choose” option. This is a legal right which allows you to request an appointment with private providers when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you decide to do this then your GP must agree to this, and must also sign a “shared care agreement” with the healthcare provider you have chosen. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication. In the majority of cases, you will then make an appointment with a private service of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not. If it is found that ADHD may be the reason behind your issue You will typically be sent home with additional questions for your workplace or school. They will then set up a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and explain your diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is necessary then your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication for you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for support at school or at work. Any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. how to get an adhd assessment offer free advice and support between appointments, either by emails or short phone calls. 3. Go for an assessment Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. The best method to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment by a qualified consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the condition. There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. Consult your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the company to which you're referred. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list and could make the process much more efficient. When you go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then conduct an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when discussing them. The examination will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is accurate and as complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most precise diagnosis. If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD, they will recommend a thorough diagnosis at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that could involve various tests including psychological tests and brain imaging, to help determine the extent of the disorder. Some people choose to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. There are adhd assessment scotland in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on where you live. You can search for a list here or talk to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's crucial to be aware that your health insurance will not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause problems in a wide range of areas. For instance it can impact your relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis could help to resolve these issues. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. Waiting times can be long. Some people opt to pay privately for their assessment. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier. Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get an effective treatment plan. This could be medication or CBT therapy. This is something to be aware of prior to completing your assessment. It will help you determine the most effective treatment for you. You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be directed to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will examine your symptoms and issue an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines. Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually more efficient than the NHS method, but you should ensure whether your doctor has signed an “Shared Care Agreement” with your private physician. If you are tested for ADHD the 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 ask about how these traits affect your life now. Before going to conversational tone , it's helpful to familiarise yourselves with the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can lead to a variety of treatment options and create an increased sense of self-confidence for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.