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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 always easy. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with other illness that might explain their issues better like anxiety or depression. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and listen to why you believe you might have ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS 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 get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll need to explain to your GP why you believe you might have 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 an expert for an assessment. Adults should create an outline of specific ADHD signs and symptoms they encounter on a regular basis. Prepare to provide examples if you are asked. Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will use a variety of tools and techniques, such as symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also interview you, your family, and others who know you very well. They will review the information they receive and create a report. They will then discuss their recommendations with you which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if necessary you should start treatment with a medication. You may find that some GPs are not willing to refer you to an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is worth finding a different GP who can be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful tips on this subject. In England you have the legal right to decide the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and does not cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help when submitting 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 access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips regarding this. 2. Ask for a reference Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This can be a long process, and sometimes you could wait for years to get an appointment. You may also opt for the 'Right to Choose” route. This is a brand new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be directed to a private service via this route. If you decide to go this route the GP will need to approve and sign a “shared care agreement” with the healthcare provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements with patients who have been privately diagnosed, especially because they lack the experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing the medication it requires. In the majority of cases, you will make an appointment with a private provider of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with you and your child (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The clinician will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be due to ADHD, or not. If it is found that ADHD could be the root reason behind your issue You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your school or workplace. Then, they'll schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will be a chance to discuss any options for medication, and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it for you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions for support at school or work. Any costs will be discussed prior to beginning. The majority of private providers provide free advice and assistance between appointments through email or 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 disorders. The best way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to have an assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist who specializes in the condition. It could take for a long time to receive an assessment from 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 gives you the right to choose the organization to which you are referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much more efficient. When you visit for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an in-depth history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical assessment with regularized questions. It can be helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment and record examples, since it is common for people's minds to go in a blank space when discussing their own experiences. The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can provide you with the most precise diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children have ADHD then he'll recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety tests, such as psychological tests and brain images, to determine the extent of ADHD. Some people opt to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Based on where you live in the UK, there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private assessments are often quicker than relying on the NHS however it is important to know that 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 aid in addressing these problems. Due to the rise in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The wait times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner. If you've 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 most effective course of action for you is. You may be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you should be referred to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will assess your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines. If you don't receive an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. This is typically more efficient than the NHS option, however you should ensure that your GP accepts a “Shared Care Agreement” with your private doctor. If you are tested for ADHD, your expert 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 ask about how these traits impact your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to write down examples of instances where you've experienced these traits in your life prior to going for an appointment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing event. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. adhd assessment london can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.