How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment However, it is crucial that you follow the correct steps. Talk to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be able to take you seriously and ask you to fill in the screening tool.
If you prefer, you can opt to refer yourself to a private health provider to get an ADHD assessment. This option is much more efficient than the NHS.
1. Talk to your doctor
In the UK, there is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, some biases can make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. These include the notion that ADHD only affects males, those from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of someone with ADHD.
If your GP refuses to refer you for an examination, it's worth taking a look at a different one, especially if you want to seek a Right to Choose referral for medications through the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide to this here.
An ADHD assessment typically involves the conduct of a series of discussions with the psychiatrist about your symptoms, as well as questionnaires and ratings. You might also be asked about your family history and the effects your symptoms can have on you. They may also inquire whether you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you
In England, doctors can send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right of Choice process. This will allow you to access the NHS quicker and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also discuss other mental health issues that affect your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from the people who know you best. A diagnosis can help get you the support you require, including medication and CBT. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking for a prescription under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or relationships. It can also impact your health and cause various mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD assessments through a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
After your examination you'll see psychiatrists who will inquire about your symptoms and your family history. It is helpful to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of previous psychological test results. They might want to talk to your parents or anyone else who know you well. They will then decide whether they can diagnose you with ADHD. They may suggest you consider the possibility of medication. They'll also talk about ongoing care options, which could be continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP for shared management.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can take a long time especially if you reside in a location where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct the assessment will talk to you about how your problems affect you, and utilize questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms. They may ask you to describe your behavior or consult someone who knows you well like your spouse, sibling or your parents if you're an adult. This could give you a level of personal insight that is not available through questionnaires.
The specialist will then send an assessment to your GP. If your doctor agrees to the 'Shared Care Agreement', they'll arrange for you to start treatment on the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This could take some time, as the NHS is under tremendous pressure and has a limited amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can be a huge relief. It can help you understand that your your child's symptoms are due to an illness that affects the brain, not due to a personal flaw and reduce the feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a questionnaire or through interviews with your teachers, family members and other individuals who know you well. The psychiatrist will then create a report containing their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with a treatment plan that may include CBT or medications.
Adults in England can also be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be less expensive and faster than waiting for an NHS referral. You'll need to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you suspect you or your child has ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining whether medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process includes an interview with a psychiatric assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and developmental background. Family members and other individuals who know you may be questioned as well.
Adults and children have to show symptoms in multiple contexts, including school at home, work and school, and the symptoms cause impairment. The behavior is not explained by a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically done by a psychiatrist. A private evaluation will follow a similar process, but the specialist will also check for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
You will need to consult a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and assessment in case you decide to take medication. You will be asked to complete a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present ever since you were a child.
Your GP will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Adults in England can now select their own mental healthcare provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy consultation with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, which include checklists for symptoms and behavior rating scales. The input of family members or others who know you well may be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think that your child is suffering from ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour it is important to talk to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS for an evaluation.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has a system called 'Right to Choose which means that you have the legal right to decide where you receive your treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find organizations that are eligible for this. Many patients prefer to receive their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you choose this option your doctor will write to your GP and provide paperwork for a Shared-Care Agreement. This means that you pay for medication privately, but the NHS should cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it could take a while to get an assessment. This is because NHS mental health professionals are under immense pressure and resources are scarce. In addition, it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. It includes a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, as well as your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires are also used to gather information about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. adhd assessments uk from people who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or friend, may also be gathered to provide additional information.
It's important to note that in England citizens have the legal right to select their provider of NHS assessments through the "Right to Choose" option. This can cut down on the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process for getting an NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You'll need to ask your GP for an appointment with an ADHD specialist and then wait to be assessed.
You'll have a clinical interview with the specialist and they'll ask about your medical background and developmental milestones, your family history, and the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to complete symptoms checklists or request 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 true if you intend to submit a Shared-Care Application with the NHS in the future for medication. Psychiatry UK offers some useful tips for you. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.