How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment however it is essential to follow the correct steps. Talk to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be able to take your concerns seriously and request you to fill out a screening tool.
Alternatively, you can choose to self-refer to a private health provider for an ADHD assessment. This is a quicker option than the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
In the UK there is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, some prejudices can make it difficult for people to recognize the symptoms. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem that affects boys, people with certain backgrounds, and for those who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP does not want to send you to an assessment, you should looking for a different one - especially if you intend to pursue the Right to Choose referral for medications through the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide on this here.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You might be asked to provide details about your family history and the way your symptoms affect your life. They will also determine whether you have any other health issues.
2. You can ask your GP for an appointment
In England, GPs are able to refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right to Choose route. This can help you access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have a a candid and open discussion with you about the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that are affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from the people who know you best. A diagnosis will provide you with the help you require, including medication and CBT therapy. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by specialists. After you have received a private diagnosis from your clinician and they ask your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating disorder. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or social relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD evaluations through an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
After your examination, you'll meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and your family history. It can help to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies from previous results of psychological tests. They may want to speak to your parents or anyone else who are familiar with you. Then, they will determine whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They might suggest that you look into medication options. They'll also discuss on-going treatment options, which could include continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP to share management.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
It can be a lengthy process to get an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in an area in which there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who does the assessment will talk with you about how your symptoms affect you, and utilize questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This will give you personal insights that are not possible with a questionnaire.
After you've received your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report to your GP. If your GP accepts the "Shared Care Agreement," they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment on the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. This can take some time and the NHS is under pressure, and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide big relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are caused by a neurological condition and not a personal failing and can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members teachers, family members, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then create an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with a treatment plan that may include medication or CBT.
Adults in England can also be directed to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be faster and less expensive than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. You'll need to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP for a referral for you or your child if he suspects they are suffering from ADHD. A clinical diagnosis will help you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in determining if medication is beneficial.
websites provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatric assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and development history. Interviews may be conducted with family members and others who know you well.
Adults or children must show symptoms in two or more situations, such as school at home, work and school and the symptoms lead to impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by another mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is typically made by a psychiatrist. A private assessment will involve similar procedures, however the specialist will also assess for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
If you're considering medication, then you will need to see a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will ask you to complete the checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present ever since you were a kid.
Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Alternately adults in England now have the legal right to choose their own mental health provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical appointment with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, such as checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. Input from family members or other people who know you well may be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP If you think your child might have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS to conduct an evaluation.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network Guidelines (SIGN) are followed.
The NHS in England has a system called 'Right to Choose', which means that you have the legal right to select where you receive your treatment and evaluations. It isn't easy to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many people choose to have their tests or treatments done in private. If you choose this option your doctor will write to your GP and then provide documentation for a Shared-Care agreement. This means you will pay for your medication privately, however the NHS should be able to cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
It may take a while to receive an evaluation from the NHS. This is because NHS mental health clinicians are under a lot of pressure and resources are limited. It can also be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much quicker. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and your current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires are used to collect additional data about your symptoms, as well as the impact they have on your daily life. Information from those who know you well, such as a spouse, sibling, or a friend, could be gathered to provide additional information.
It is important to remember that in England, people have the legal right to select their provider of NHS assessments through the "Right to Choose" option. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis from the NHS procedure, it's quite simple. You'll need to request your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait to be assessed.
You will be scheduled for a clinical consultation with a specialist. They will inquire about your medical background, developmental milestones and family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms or seek feedback from those who are familiar with your condition.
If your GP will not refer you to an assessment, it's worth finding a new GP. This is particularly relevant if you plan to apply for a Shared-Care Agreement with the NHS in the near future for medication. There are some useful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.