How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult however, it's crucial to ensure you follow the correct steps. First, talk to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP must take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill out the screening tool.
You can also opt to refer yourself to a private health provider to get an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still biases that make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. This could include the belief that ADHD only affects males, those from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the stereotype of a person with ADHD.
If your GP won't refer you for an assessment, you should look into a different one, particularly if the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide to this here.
An ADHD assessment typically involves an ongoing conversation with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms, as well as questionnaires and ratings. You may also be asked about your family history and the impacts your symptoms may have on you. They will also inquire whether you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. You can ask your GP for a referral
In England, GPs may refer adults suffering from ADHD to psychiatrists using the "Right to Choose" route. This can allow you to access the NHS quicker and decrease the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and have a candid and frank discussion with you about why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that are impacting your life.
If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. They will conduct an interview and questionnaires assessing your symptoms, family history, and feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis can help provide you with the help you need including medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that must be prescribed by specialists. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you 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 difficult to keep up with work, school or social relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD evaluations through the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
adhd assessments 'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your appointment. They will ask you about your symptoms and your family history. Bring documentation such as performance evaluations and copies of your previous psychological tests. It is also possible to speak with your parents or other individuals who know you well. Then they will decide whether you're diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you look into treatment options. They will also discuss ongoing care, which could 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 take a long time especially if you reside in a place where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk to you about how your problems affect you and use questionnaires to assess the severity of your symptoms. They might ask you to describe your behaviour or ask someone who knows you well like your spouse, sibling or parents if you're an adult. This can give you a personal insights that are not possible with a questionnaire.
The specialist will then send a diagnosis to your GP. If your GP agrees to the 'Shared Care Agreement' and they'll help you begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while as the NHS is under pressure and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a big relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are due to a neurological condition and not a personal failing 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. They will then compile an account of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will be given a treatment plan that may include CBT or medication.
Adults in England can also be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be faster and cheaper than waiting for a referral from the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the examination yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
Ask your GP for a referral if you or your child suspects they are suffering from ADHD. A clinical diagnosis will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining whether medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and development history. Interviews may also be conducted with family members or others who know you well.
Adults and children have to show symptoms in more than one contexts, including school at home, work and school, and the symptoms cause impairment. The behavior can't be explained by a different mental health issue such as depression or anxiety. A psychiatrist is usually the person who makes the diagnosis. A private evaluation will follow a similar process, but the specialist will also check for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
If you want to try treatment, you will need to see a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. You will be asked to fill out a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
Your doctor is likely to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they are of the opinion that you require an ADHD assessment. Alternately adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to choose their own mental health provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy appointment with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, which include checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. Family members or others who know you well may be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP when you suspect that your child may have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines to diagnose ADHD. In Scotland they adhere to Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has an option called 'Right To Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose where you get your treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find organisations that are eligible for this. Many individuals choose to have their assessments and treatment privately instead. If you opt for this option your doctor must write to your GP and submit paperwork for a Shared-Care agreement. You will have to pay for your medication privately, and the NHS should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
It can take some time to get an evaluation in the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health specialists are under a lot of pressure and have limited resources. Additionally visit here can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much quicker. This will include a clinical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks, family history, and your current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to gather additional details about your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily activities. To gain more information, you could be asked to give input from those who are familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling or your friend.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have a legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments by following the 'Right to Choice' pathway. This could reduce the time spent waiting.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is fairly simple. You'll need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for an assessment.
You will attend a medical consultation with an expert. They will inquire about your medical history, developmental milestones and family history as in addition to the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to fill out symptoms checklists and request feedback from people who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to make an appointment for you to be assessed you should consider seeking another GP especially when you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the road. There are some helpful guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.