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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. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their issues better like depression or anxiety. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons why you believe you have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment. 1. Check with your GP In England and Wales there is access to an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to access it. You'll have to go to your GP and explain why you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to fill out the questionnaire or screen tool before referring you to a specialist for an assessment. 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 asked. Your psychiatrist will work with you to assess whether or not you suffer from ADHD and will employ a variety techniques and methods, including symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, as well as interviewing you along with your family members, friends and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will write an assessment based on the information they've gathered. They will then discuss with you what they recommend and it could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary to begin treatment with medications. You might find that some doctors are not willing to make an appointment to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, it is best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful tips on this issue on their website here. In England it is your legal right to pick the location where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is offered by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than what you would have to pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You might be able to avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here. 2. Request a recommendation Depending on where you live in the UK there are two distinct ways to receive an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and you may end up waiting years before getting an appointment. You can also take advantage of the “Right to choose” pathway. This is a legal option that permits you to request the referral of private providers when you feel that the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long. If you do this then your GP must agree to this, and must also sign a'shared care agreement' with the service provider you've selected. Many GPs are reluctant sign shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they lack expertise to diagnose ADHD or prescribing medication for it. In the majority of instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private service you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will then give you an accurate indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be caused by ADHD, or not. Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or workplace. Then, they'll schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will give you a chance 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. Any other recommendations related to support at work or school will be discussed with your specialist and any fees for this will be agreed prior to starting. Many private providers offer assistance and advice for free between appointments by email or short phone calls. 3. Get an assessment Finding an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can be difficult, and often it's misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is through an assessment conducted by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the condition. It could take for a while before you can receive an assessment through the NHS. If you're worried about the waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to choose' – a new NHS initiative that gives you the option of choosing the organization to which you are referred for your evaluation. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and can make the process much quicker. If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an extensive description of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a systematic clinical assessment using the same set of questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to note down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when discussing them. The assessment will also include physical examinations and interviews with family members as well as teachers and colleagues. adhd assessment women will need precise and complete information in order to make the most accurate diagnosis. If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD then he'll recommend you to a program for adults with ADHD. This is a second appointment that may include a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging to determine the severity of the disorder. Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to grow. There are a variety of organizations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD based on the area you reside. adhd assessment for women can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however, it's crucial to be aware that health insurance does not cover the cost. 4. Get a diagnosis ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For instance it can impact your work or relationships. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these problems. Due to the increase in people who require ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to cope. The waiting times for assessments can be long. Some people opt to go private and pay for their assessments privately. This allows them to avoid NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to put an appropriate treatment plan in place. This could include CBT or medication. This is something you should be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you determine the best treatment plan 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'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines. If you are unable to get an appointment from your GP You can refer yourself to an ADHD assessment with an individual mental health professional. This is usually faster than the NHS route, but you should check whether your GP has the “Shared Care Agreement” with your private physician. Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits affect your life now. Before attending an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with 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 result in a variety of treatments and offer an improved sense of self-confidence for those who had previously been undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.