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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and patients may be diagnosed with other conditions that better explain their difficulties like depression or anxiety. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you to an NHS assessment. 1. See your GP In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to get medication if it's appropriate for you. You'll need to explain to your GP what you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to fill out a questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to a specialist for an evaluation. For adults, it will be especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your daily life, and be prepared to give examples when you are asked. Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you have ADHD. They will use a variety of methods and tools, including checklists for symptom identification and scales for assessing your behaviour. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. They will take the information they get and write a report. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medications. If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you to an assessment or refuses to 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 helpful advice on this topic. In England, you have a legal right to decide where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales or Northern Ireland, the NHS has different regulations and guidelines. You might be able try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK also have some tips on this subject here. 2. Request a recommendation Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible ways to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This could be a long process and you may need to wait for years for a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose' pathway. This is a legal right which permits you to request a referral to an outside provider in the event that you believe the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you opt to sign this agreement then your GP will have to agree and sign a “shared care agreement” with the service provider you've selected. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication. In the majority of cases, you'll be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The specialist will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are related to ADHD or not. If it is found that ADHD could be the root cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questions for your school or work place. how to get assessed for adhd uk will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any possible medication options and if it is decided that medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your doctor and any charges for this will be agreed before starting. The majority of private providers provide free advice and assistance between appointments via email or short phone calls. 3. Take a look at the assessment It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having an assessment done by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition. You might have to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right of Choice' – a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the organisation to which you are referred for your examination. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much faster. When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them. The test will also consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with relatives teachers, colleagues and family members. The psychiatrist needs precise and complete information in order to make the best diagnosis. If the psychiatrist suspects that you or your child have ADHD or other disorders, they will refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is an additional appointment that may include a range of tests including brain scans and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD. Some people opt to have their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can look up a list here, or consult your GP about which option would be best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however it is important to know that your health insurance may not pay for the costs. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example, it can affect work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can aid in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, due to a rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people opt to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could include CBT or medication. This is something you should think about prior to your assessment. adhd assessment in uk will help you decide the best treatment plan for you. You may be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS, depending on where you reside in the UK. If this is the situation you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines. You can self-refer if you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically quicker than the NHS route, but you should check that your GP accepts a “Shared Care Agreement” with your private doctor. When you're tested for ADHD the doctor will ask you 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 the way these traits impact your life now. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to note down instances of the ways you have been affected by these traits in your own life prior to going for an appointment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can result in many treatments and offer a greater sense of self-understanding for those who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to improved relationships and a happier life.