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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 easy. The waiting lists can be long, and people may be diagnosed with other conditions which can explain their problems such as 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. Consult your GP In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you may be able to access it. You will need explain to your GP why you believe you may have ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to a specialist for an evaluation. For adults, it is particularly important to prepare an outline of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked. Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will create an account that is based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with a medication. If you discover that your doctor is unable to refer you to an evaluation or won't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS It could be worth looking for another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK have some helpful tips on this issue on their website here. In England, you have a legal right to choose the location where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long as the service is available through the NHS and doesn't cost more than if you go through the NHS directly. If you are unable to achieve progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions on this. 2. Ask for a referral Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct routes you can take to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you to. This can be a long process, and you'll have to wait years to get a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to choose' pathway. This is a new legal right that means that if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, you can request to be directed to a private service by this method. If you decide to sign this agreement, your GP will have to agree and sign an “shared care agreement” with the provider you've selected. The majority of GPs are not willing to sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they lack experience in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing its medication. In the majority of cases, you will then be able to schedule an appointment with the private service of your choice. Before completing the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will interview you and your child, if they are older than 11 years of age. The doctor will then give you an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms may be caused by ADHD or not. Following the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD may be causing your problems then they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. Then they will arrange an appointment for a follow-up to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any medication options and if it is determined that the medication is suitable then your GP will be informed and will be asked to prescribe it. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. Any costs will be agreed upon before beginning. Most private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments by email or phone calls. 3. Take advantage of an assessment Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The most effective method to identify ADHD is by having an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition. You might have to wait for a long time to receive an assessment from the NHS. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative that allows you the option of choosing the organization to which you are referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much faster. When adhd self assessment test go for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical evaluation with standardised questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them. The examination will also include physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It is crucial that the information gathered is as precise and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most precise diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that you or your children are suffering from ADHD then he'll recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This will be an additional appointment which could include a variety of tests like psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD. Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that provide private assessments for ADHD, depending on where you live. You can find a listing here or speak to your GP to determine which option is best for you. Private examinations can be faster than the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas. For instance it can impact your relationships and work. A clear diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Due to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to deal with. Waiting times can be long. Some individuals opt to go private and pay for their assessment privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to create an action plan for treating the disorder. This could involve treatment with medication or CBT. It is important to think about this before you make your assessment since it will help you decide what the best option for you will be. You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the case, you should be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician, who will assess your symptoms and make an assessment based on NICE 87 guidelines. If you do not get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is usually faster than the NHS pathway, but it is essential to ensure whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician. When you're tested for ADHD the doctor will ask you questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics are affecting your life right now. Before attending an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can lead to many treatment options and create an increased sense of self-confidence for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead better relationships and a fulfilled life.