How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment However, it is crucial that you follow the correct steps. Talk with your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be able to take your concerns seriously and request you to fill out an assessment tool.
You can also opt to self-refer to a private health provider for an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.
1. Speak with your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still biases that can make it more difficult for people to be diagnosed. These include the notion that ADHD only affects boys, people from certain backgrounds, or who don't fit the image of someone with ADHD.
If your GP is unable to refer you for an examination, it's worth looking for a different one - especially if you intend to take advantage of a Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide about this here.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms, as well as questionnaires. You may also be asked to provide information about your family background and how your symptoms impact your life. They will also determine if you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to a
In England the UK, GPs can refer adults suffering from ADHD to psychiatrists using the "Right to Choose" pathway. This lets you access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have a an open and honest discussion with you regarding the reason you think you may be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that may be impacting your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis will provide you with the help you need, including CBT therapy and medication. The medications for ADHD are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist clinician. After you have received a private diagnosis from your doctor, they will ask your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatrist.
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with school, work or relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to other mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialist 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 appointment who will inquire you about your symptoms and your family history. It's helpful to bring documents such as performance evaluations or copies of previous psychological test results. They may also want to talk to your parents or other people who are familiar with you. They will then decide whether they can identify you as having ADHD. They might suggest that you think about medication options. They'll also talk about ongoing care, which could be continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP to share management.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
It can be a lengthy process to get an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in an area where there are not many services. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms, and then talk to you about your problems. They may ask you to describe your behaviour or seek out someone who is familiar with you like your spouse, sibling, or parents if you are an adult. This could give you a level of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
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 via the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. This can take some time as the NHS is under pressure, and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide big relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are not due to an individual failure, but a neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of shame, guilt 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. The psychiatrist will then write an account of their findings and possible diagnoses. 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 choose to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This can be less expensive and quicker than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you'll be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you think you or your child have ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be helpful in determining whether medication will be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The procedure involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of medical and developmental history as well as questionnaires. Family members and other individuals who know you well may be interviewed as well.
Adults or children must show symptoms in multiple settings, like school or at home and the symptoms lead to impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by a different mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is usually the person who makes the diagnosis. A private evaluation is the same process. However, the doctor will also test for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
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 complete the checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also look into whether your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
Your GP should be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they believe you require an ADHD assessment. Adults in England are now able to choose their own mental healthcare provider and choose private assessments.
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 a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is crucial to speak to your GP if you suspect your child might have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network Guidelines (SIGN) are followed.
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 still be difficult to find organizations that qualify for this. Many patients prefer to receive their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you do then, your doctor 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 be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
In the NHS it can take some time to receive an assessment. This is because NHS mental health specialists are under a lot of pressure and have limited resources. It can be a challenge to navigate 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 milestones, family history and the current symptoms. Going In this article -reporting questionnaires are used to gather additional information about your symptoms, as well as their impact on your daily functioning. For additional information, you could be asked to share your thoughts from those who know you, like your spouse, sibling, or friend.
It's worth mentioning that people in England have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments through the 'Right to Choose option. This can cut down on waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you're interested in getting an assessment through the NHS, the process is fairly straightforward. You'll need to request your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for an evaluation.
You'll be able to have a consultation with the specialist and they'll ask about your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, as well as the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You may also be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms and seek feedback from people who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to refer 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 for medication later in the future. There are some good guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.