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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when patients are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better for example, depression or anxiety. Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and understand why you believe you may have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment. 1. Check with your GP In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to access medication if it's appropriate 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 ask you to complete a questionnaire or screening tool before referring you to specialists for an evaluation. For adults, it is particularly important to make a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms that you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to provide examples when you are asked. Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will make use of various tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also interview you, your family, and other people who know you very well. They will consider the information they receive and create a report. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with a medication. There are a few doctors are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding 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 where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long as the service is available through the NHS and does not cost more than the NHS directly. If you are unable to agree with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able to try accessing services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here. 2. Request a reference Depending on where you live in the UK there are two possible ways to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you to. This could be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you may end up waiting several years to receive an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right to choose option. This is a legal right that allows you to request an appointment with an outside provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you opt to sign this agreement, your GP will need to approve and sign an “shared care agreement” with the provider you've chosen. Most GPs are reluctant to sign shared agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately due to the fact that they lack expertise in diagnosing ADHD or prescribing medication for it. In most instances, you will be able to schedule an appointment with the private provider you prefer. Before completing the initial assessment the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child if they are older than 11 years older. The specialist will then give you a clear indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD or not. After the initial assessment If it is believed that ADHD could be the cause of your issues, they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. They will then set up an appointment with you to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is needed, your GP will then be informed and requested to prescribe the medication to you. Your specialist will discuss any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments through emails or phone calls of a short duration. 3. Get an evaluation Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health disorders. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition. You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Consult your GP for advice if you're concerned about the waiting time. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative that gives you the choice of the organization to which you're recommended. This allows you to skip the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much more efficient. If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive account of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation with standardised questions. It can be helpful to be familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment. note down your experiences, as it's normal for people's minds to go completely blank when discussing their own experiences. The test will consist of a physical exam and interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist needs accurate and complete information to determine the most appropriate diagnosis. If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD, he will recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment and may involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will aid in determining the severity of the disorder. Some people choose to go to a private clinic to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are many organizations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is best for you. Private examinations can be faster than using the NHS. However the health insurance you have won't cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause issues in a wide range of areas. For example it can impact relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can 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 for their assessments privately. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to think about this before you have your assessment, as it will help determine what the best course of action for you will be. You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on where you live in the UK. If this is the case you'll be taken 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 don't receive an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through an individual mental health professional. This route is often quicker than the NHS method, but it is important to check that your GP is willing to sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with your private clinician. Your expert will ask you questions about your past and current 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 helpful to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to note down instances of instances where you've experienced these traits in your own life prior to scheduling an appointment. If adhd assessment for women with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that a few previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.