How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD assessment, but it is important that you follow the correct steps. Talk with your GP about the reason 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 medical professional for an ADHD assessment. This is a faster route than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still some biases that can make it more difficult for people to diagnose. This could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males, those from certain backgrounds, or those who don't conform to the stereotype of a person with ADHD.
If your GP is unable to recommend you for an assessment, you should looking for a different one - especially if you want to seek the Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. The Psychiatry-UK website has a great guide about this here.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You might be asked to give details about your family history and how your symptoms impact your life. They may also inquire if you have other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to a
In England, GPs can send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right to Choose route. This lets you access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you regarding the reasons you think you might have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that may be affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. They will conduct an interview, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms, family history, and feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis can help receive the support you require, which includes medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your physician, they will 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 school, work or even relationships. It can also affect your health and trigger various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment through an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
At your assessment, you'll meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. Bring documentation like performance evaluations and copies of your previous psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or other individuals who know you well. Then, they will determine whether you're diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend that you look into the possibility of medication. They will also discuss ongoing care, which might include private treatment or a discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be a long one, especially if you live in a location where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms and speak with you about your concerns. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse or sibling, or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This could provide a level of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
The specialist will send an assessment to your GP. If your GP agrees to the 'Shared Care Agreement', they'll arrange for you start treatment through the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. adhd assessment online can take a while - the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a major relief. It can help you understand that your or your child's symptoms are caused by an illness of the brain and not due to a personal flaw and can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members, teachers, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then compile an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. You will receive a treatment plan that may include medication or CBT.
If you are an adult in England, you can also choose to be recommended by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This can be quicker and more affordable than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. However, you will be paying for the assessment yourself.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, it's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis will help you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is also helpful to determine if medication could be beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a study of the medical and developmental histories as well as questionnaires. Family members and other people who know you well may be interviewed as well.
Adults or children must show symptoms in more than one contexts, including school at home, work and school and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be explained by another mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically performed by a psychiatrist. A private assessment involves the same procedure. However, the specialist will also test for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
You will need to consult an Psychologist to obtain an assessment and diagnosis if you wish to try medication. You will be asked to complete a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also look into whether your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
If your doctor agrees with you that you require ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now select their own mental health provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview with a psychiatrist specialist as well as questionnaires including symptom checklists and behavior rating scales. You may also be asked to share your thoughts from family members or other people who are familiar with you.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD, or if you are concerned about their behavior, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with the NHS.
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 a legal right to choose where you receive your treatment and assessments. However, it can still be difficult to find organizations that qualify for this. Many people opt to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you do, your clinician will need to provide your GP with a form for an Shared Care Agreement. You will pay for your medication privately, and the NHS should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
It may take some time to get an evaluation in the NHS. This is because NHS mental health specialists are under a lot of pressure and have limited resources. In addition it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It includes a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. The interview will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, as well as your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires will also be used to determine the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. To gain more insight, you may be asked to give input from people who know you, such as your spouse, sibling, or friend.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have the legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments by following the 'Right to Choice option. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you want to get a diagnosis from the NHS the process is relatively simple. You'll have to ask your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait to be evaluated.
You will have a clinical consultation with an expert. They will inquire about your medical history as well as developmental milestones and your family history as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You may also be asked to complete symptoms checklists and request input from people who know you well.
If your GP refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed It's a good idea to find another GP especially in the event that you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the road. There are some useful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.