How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however it's essential to adhere to the correct procedures. First, speak to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be able to take seriously and ask you to fill in an assessment tool.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private health care provider to receive an ADHD assessment. This route can be much quicker than using the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still some biases that can make it harder for people to be diagnosed. These can include the perception that ADHD only affects boys, people from certain backgrounds, or those who don't conform to the stereotype of a person with ADHD.
If your GP refuses to send you to an assessment, you should considering finding another one - especially if you want to seek the Right to Choose referral for medication through the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide about this here.
An ADHD assessment typically involves an ongoing conversation with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms, as well as questionnaires and ratings. You might also be asked about your family history and the impacts your symptoms may have on you. They will also inquire if you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP for a referral
In England, GPs are able to refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right to Choose route. This allows you to access the NHS faster and can reduce waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also talk about other mental health issues that affect your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an evaluation, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview and questionnaires assessing your symptoms and family history, as well as feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis can help you get the support you require, including CBT therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a qualified physician. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your doctor, they will ask your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD assessment through a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your appointment. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. It's helpful to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological test results. It is also possible to speak with your parents or other people who know you well. Then they will decide if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They might suggest that you investigate treatment options. They'll also discuss on-going treatment options, which could include continued private treatment or discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a long one particularly if you live in a place where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk with you about how your symptoms affect you, and use questionnaires to assess the severity of your symptoms. They might ask you to describe your behaviour or seek out someone who is familiar with you such as your spouse, sibling or your parents if you're an adult. This will give you an insight into your personality that isn't possible through the help of a questionnaire.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the doctor will send a report to your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement', they will arrange for you to begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It can take a while - the NHS is under strain, and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a huge relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are due to an illness that affects the brain, not due to a personal flaw and reduce the 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 well. The psychiatrist will then write a report containing their findings and possible diagnoses. Then, you will be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that could include CBT therapy or medication.
If you are an adult in England and you are a resident of England, you can decide to be directed by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This is quicker and less expensive than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. You'll have to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
Ask your GP for a referral if you or your child believes they may have ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for determining whether medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines for how to evaluate and diagnose ADHD. The process includes an interview with a psychiatric, a review and questionnaires of your medical and development history. Interviews may also be conducted with family members and others who are familiar with you.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings (such as home, school, and work) and result in impairment. The behavior is not caused by another mental illness, like anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is usually the person who makes the diagnosis. A private examination is a similar process. However, the doctor will also check for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
If you want to try medications, then you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. You will be asked to fill out an inventory of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
Your GP will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they are of the opinion that you require an ADHD assessment. Adults in England are now able to choose their own mental health provider, and opt for private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical consultation with a specialist psychiatrist as well as questionnaires, such as checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. The input of family members or others who know you well could be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP when you suspect that your child might have ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by the NHS.
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 the system known as 'Right to Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your treatment and assessments. However, it can still be difficult to find organizations that meet the requirements for this. Many patients prefer having their examinations or treatments performed privately. If you do, your clinician will need to write to your GP with paperwork for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication privately, while the NHS should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it can take a while to get an assessment. The NHS mental health clinicians work under a lot of pressure, and the resources are limited. Additionally, it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It will include a thorough assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to collect information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. To gain more information, you could be asked to provide input from those who know you, for example, your spouse, sibling, or friend.
It is important to remember that in England individuals have the legal right to choose their provider of NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" route. explanation can cut down on the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You will need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for the test.
You will have a clinical consultation with a specialist. They will inquire about your medical history as well as developmental milestones and your family history as in addition to the symptoms you are experiencing. You might also be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms and seek opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to recommend you for an assessment you should consider seeking a new GP especially in the event that you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the line. Psychiatry UK offers some useful advice for you. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.