How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment, but it is important that you follow the correct steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP must take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill in a screening tool.
You can also self-refer to a private health care provider to receive an ADHD assessment. This is a faster route than using the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
In the UK there is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, certain biases can make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. One of these biases could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people with particular backgrounds, or who do not fit into the stereotype.
If your GP will not refer you to an evaluation, you should think about finding a different doctor, especially if the NHS is offering the Right to Choose medication referral. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide to this here.
An ADHD assessment usually involves a series of conversations with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms as well as questionnaires and ratings. You might also be asked about your family history and the impact your symptoms have on you. They will also inquire whether you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
In England doctors can recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" pathway. This allows you to access the NHS faster and can reduce waiting times.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and have a candid and frank discussion with you about the reasons why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also discuss other mental health issues affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. These include an interview and questionnaires that assess your symptoms, family history, and input from others who know you well. A diagnosis can help get you the support you require, which includes medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist. Once you receive a private diagnosis from your physician they will request your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can be difficult to keep up with your schoolwork at work, or in relationships. It can also affect your health and trigger a range of other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD assessments through a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have as a citizen of England.
You'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history. It can help to bring records like performance evaluations or copies of previous results of psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or anyone else who know you well. They will then decide whether they are able to determine that you have ADHD. They may suggest that you think about medication options. They may also suggest ongoing care, which may include private treatment or discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a long one especially if you reside in a place where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms and talk with you about your concerns. They might ask you to describe your behaviour or consult someone who knows you well such as your spouse, sibling, or parents if you're an adult. This could provide the kind of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
After receiving your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement' and they'll help you start treatment through the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. This could take some time due to the fact that the NHS is under enormous pressure and has a limited amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a great relief. It will help you realize that your or your child's symptoms are due to a neurological condition and not a result of a personal failure and reduce the feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members, and other people who know you well. They will then compile an account of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will then be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that may include a CBT or medication.
If you are an adult in England, you can also decide to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to private clinics. This can be quicker and more affordable than waiting for a referral from the NHS. However, you will be paying for the exam yourself.
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 believes they may are suffering from ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in knowing if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process includes an interview with a psychiatric exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental background. Family members and other people who know you well could be interviewed as well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (such as school, home and at work) and cause impairment. The behavior can't be explained by a different mental health issue such as depression or anxiety. A psychiatrist is typically the one to make the diagnosis. A private evaluation will follow similar procedures, however the specialist will also assess for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
If you want to try medication, then you will have to consult a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. Read the Full Piece of writing will ask you to complete an inventory of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
If your GP agrees that you require ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now choose their own mental healthcare provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview with psychiatrists, as well as questionnaires including symptom checklists and behavior rating scales. You might also be asked to provide input from family members or other people who know you well.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
It is crucial to speak to your GP when you suspect that your child may be suffering from 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 and Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they adhere to Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has a system called 'Right to Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose where you get your treatment and assessment. It isn't easy to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many people choose to have their tests or treatments done privately. If you choose this option, your clinician must write to your GP and provide paperwork for a Shared-Care Agreement. This means you will pay for your medication privately, but the NHS will provide CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it could take some time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health professionals are under a lot of pressure, and resources are not abundant. It can also be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done quicker. It will include a thorough assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and the current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires will also be used to collect information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. For additional insight, you may be asked to give input from people who know you, such as your spouse, sibling, or friend.
It's important to note that in England individuals have the legal right to select their provider of NHS assessments via 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
If you're looking to receive a diagnosis from the NHS procedure, it's fairly straightforward. You'll need to make an appointment with your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for an evaluation.
You'll be in a clinical interview with the doctor and they'll ask about your medical background, developmental milestones, family history, and specific symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to complete symptom checklists or ask for feedback from people who are familiar with your condition.
If your GP isn't willing to refer you for an assessment It's a good idea to find an alternative GP, especially when you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the road. There are some useful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.