How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult however, it's crucial to adhere to the correct procedures. Begin by talking to your GP and explain the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should treat you with seriousness and insist that you fill out a screening instrument.
Alternatively, you can choose to go directly to a private health provider to get an ADHD assessment. This is a lot faster than the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
In the UK, there is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, some beliefs can make it difficult to diagnose people. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys and people of certain backgrounds, and for those who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP is unable to send you to an assessment, it's worth considering finding another one - especially if you want to take advantage of the Right to Choose referral for medications through the NHS. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
An ADHD assessment usually involves an ongoing conversation with the psychiatrist about your symptoms, as well as questionnaires and scores. You might also be asked about your family history, and what effects your symptoms can have on you. They will also determine if you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
In England, GPs may refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists via the "Right to Choose" process. This can help you access the NHS faster and cut down the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons why you believe you might have ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues affecting your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they must follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms, family history, and input from others who know you well. A diagnosis will provide you with the help you require, which includes treatment with medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Once you receive a private diagnosis from your physician, they will ask your GP to prescribe under an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatrist.
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can be difficult to keep up in school, at work or with relationships. It can also impact your health and trigger a range of other mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment through an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you enjoy as a citizen of England.
In your evaluation you'll be able to meet with a psychiatrist who will ask about your symptoms and your family history. It can help to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of 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 recommend that you think about medication options. They will also discuss ongoing care, which could include private treatment or discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be long especially if you reside in an area 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 might ask you to describe your behavior or consult someone who knows you well like your spouse, sibling, or parents if you are an adult. this post will give you an insight into your personality that isn't possible through the help of a questionnaire.
The specialist will send an appointment to your GP. If your GP agrees to a 'Shared care agreement' they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while - the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a big relief. It will help you realize that your your child's symptoms are caused by an illness that affects the brain, not due to a personal flaw and can help reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a survey or interview with your family, teachers, and other people who know you well. They will then compile a report of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will then be provided with the treatment plan which could include CBT or medications.
If you are an adult in England, you can also choose to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This can be less expensive and quicker than waiting for an NHS referral. 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 in the event that you or your child believes they may have ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and development background. Family members and other individuals who know you may be questioned as well.
Adults and children have to show symptoms in two or more situations, such as school, home and work and the symptoms lead to impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by another mental illness, like anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is usually made by a psychiatrist. A private assessment is the same process, however the specialist will also look for comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
You'll need to talk to a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and assessment for if you want to try medications. You will be asked to complete the checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also assess whether your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they are of the opinion that you require an ADHD assessment. Alternately, adults in England have the legal right to choose their own mental health healthcare provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a medical consultation with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, such as checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. You could also be asked to give input from relatives or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you believe that your child is suffering from ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour It is essential to speak to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS for an evaluation.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they adhere to Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
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 tests. It can be difficult to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many people choose to have their tests or treatments done in private. If you choose this option, your clinician must write to your GP and submit paperwork for a Shared-Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS will provide CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it could take a long time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health clinicians work under a lot of pressure, and the resources are limited. In addition, it can be difficult to navigate the complexity of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much quicker. This will include a medical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks, family history and the current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to determine the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your everyday functioning. To gain more information, you could be asked to give input from people who are familiar with you, for example, your spouse, sibling or friend.
It's worth mentioning that people in England have a legal right to choose the provider they use for NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process for 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'll be able to have a consultation with a specialist and they'll ask about your medical background and developmental milestones, your family history, and particular symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptom checklists or ask for feedback from those who are familiar with you.
If your GP isn't willing to recommend you for an assessment, it's worth seeking a new GP particularly when you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the line. There are some helpful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.