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. First, speak to your GP and explain the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and request you to fill out an assessment tool.
You can also self-refer to a private healthcare provider to receive an ADHD assessment. This is a lot more efficient than the NHS.
1. Talk to more resources
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still a few prejudices that make it difficult for people to diagnose. One of these biases could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys or people from certain backgrounds, and those who do not fit into the stereotype.
If your GP does not want to recommend you for an assessment, you should looking for a different one - especially if you intend to pursue a Right to Choose referral for medication through the NHS. Here's a guide from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You might also be asked about your family history and the impact your symptoms have on you. They will also check if you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
In England, GPs may recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" process. This allows you to access the NHS faster and decrease the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and have a candid and honest discussion about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms as well as your family history and feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis will aid you in getting the support you need, including medication and CBT therapy. Medications for ADHD are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a qualified clinician. Once you receive a private diagnosis from your doctor, they will ask your GP to prescribe under the terms of a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it hard to keep up with school, work or even relationships. It can also affect your health and trigger a range of other mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD assessments through a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
You'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. It is helpful to bring records like performance evaluations or copies of your previous results of psychological tests. They might want to talk to your parents or others who are familiar with you. Then they will decide whether you're diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest you consider medication options. They may also suggest ongoing care, which may include private treatment or a referral back to your GP.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can take a long time particularly if you live in a location where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct the assessment will talk with you about how your symptoms affect you, and use questionnaires to assess the severity of your symptoms. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse siblings, parents or sibling for adults) to comment on your behavior. This can provide a level of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
After you've received your diagnosis, the specialist will send a report to your GP. If your doctor agrees to the 'Shared Care Agreement', they will arrange for you to begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while, as the NHS is under enormous pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can provide huge relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your own symptoms are caused by an illness of the brain and not a result of a personal failure and can help reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a questionnaire or interviews with your teachers, family members and other people who know you well. They will then put together a report of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will receive an treatment plan that could include CBT or medications.
Adults in England can also be sent to a private doctor by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be quicker and less expensive than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. You will have to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think you or your child has ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for knowing if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental history. Family members and other individuals who know you may be questioned too.
Children and adults must exhibit symptoms in two or more settings, like school at home, work and school, and the symptoms cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be explained by a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically made by a psychiatrist. A private evaluation is a similar process. However, the specialist will also check for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to talk to an Psychologist to obtain an assessment and diagnosis for if you want to try medication. They will ask you to complete a checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
If your GP agrees that you need ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. In addition adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to choose their own mental health care provider and may choose to have private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a medical consultation with a specialist psychiatrist and questionnaires, which include checklists for symptoms and behavior rating scales. You might also be asked to provide input from relatives or others who are familiar with you.
8. Ask more resources 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 are concerned about their behavior. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines to diagnose ADHD. In Scotland the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network Guidelines (SIGN) are followed.
The NHS in England has a system known as 'Right To Choose,' which means that you have a legal right to choose where you receive your treatment and evaluations. It can be difficult to find organizations that are qualified. Many individuals choose to have their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you choose to do this the latter, your physician will have to provide your GP with paperwork for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you pay for medication privately, but the NHS should provide 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 due to the fact that NHS mental health professionals are under lots of pressure and resources are scarce. Additionally it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be completed quicker. It will include a medical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will cover your medical history as well as developmental milestones, family history, and current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires will be used to gather additional details about your symptoms, as well as the impact they have on your daily functioning. People who know you well, such as your spouse, sibling or a close friend, can be gathered for additional insights.
It is important to remember that in England, people have the legal right to select their provider of NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" option. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you want to get an assessment through the NHS, the process is relatively simple. You'll need to ask your GP for the referral to 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 as well as developmental milestones, family history, and the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to complete symptom checklists or ask for feedback from those who are familiar with you.
If your GP will not refer you to an evaluation, it is recommended to find a different GP. This is especially true if you intend to apply for a Shared-Care Agreement with the NHS in the future for medication. Psychiatry UK has some helpful suggestions for you. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.