How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment, but it is important that you follow the correct steps. Talk to your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take you seriously and ask to fill out an assessment instrument.
Alternatively, you can choose to self-refer to a private healthcare provider for an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your doctor
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still biases that can make it more difficult for people to diagnose. These can include the perception that ADHD only affects boys, people from certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP refuses to send you to an examination, it's worth looking for a different one - especially if you want to take advantage of the Right to Choose referral for medication through the NHS. The Psychiatry-UK website has a great guide to 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 about your family history and what effects your symptoms can have on you. They may also inquire whether you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to a
In England, doctors can refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist using the 'Right to Choose route. This lets you access the NHS faster and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and have open and honest discussions with you about the reasons you think you may be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that are impacting 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 input from the people who know you best. A diagnosis will help to provide you with the help you need including medication and CBT. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a specialist physician. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your clinician, 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 crippling condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with work, school or even relationships. It can also affect your health and trigger various mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD tests through the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your assessment who will ask you about your symptoms and your family history. Bring records such as performance evaluations and copies of previous psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or other people who are familiar with you. They will decide whether they are able to determine that you have ADHD. They may suggest that you think about the possibility of medication. They may also suggest ongoing care, which could include private treatment or a referral back to your GP.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
It can be a long process to obtain an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in an area in which there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms, and then talk with you about your concerns. 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 provide the kind of personal insight that is not available through questionnaires.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the doctor will send a report to your GP. If your GP agrees with the 'Shared Care Agreement', they will arrange for you to begin treatment on the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. It can take a while - the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a wonderful relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your own symptoms are due to an illness of the brain and not a result of a personal failure and can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or through interviews with your family, teachers and other individuals who know you well. They will then put together an account of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will then be provided with the treatment plan which could include medication or CBT.
If you are an adult in England you may also decide to be recommended by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This is quicker and cheaper than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. However, you will be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP for a referral if you or your child thinks they have ADHD. A clinical diagnosis will help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The procedure involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of the medical and developmental histories as well as questionnaires. Family members and other individuals who know you well may be questioned too.
Children and adults must exhibit symptoms in two or more settings, like school, home and work and the symptoms lead to impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety. A psychiatrist is typically the one to make the diagnosis. A private assessment will involve a similar process, but the specialist will also assess for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you 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 complete a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
Your GP will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Alternately, adults in England have the legal right to select their own mental health care provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy consultation with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, such as checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. You may also be asked to provide input from relatives or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is crucial to speak to your GP if you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS to conduct an evaluation.
The NHS in England, 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 that you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find a company that are eligible for this. Many people prefer to have their examinations or treatments performed in private. If you choose this option, your clinician must write to your GP and submit paperwork to sign a Shared-Care Contract. You will be paying for your medication privately, and the NHS should provide CBT.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
It may take some time to receive an evaluation from the NHS. This is because NHS mental health professionals are under immense pressure and resources are limited. It can also be difficult to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done 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. Self-reporting questionnaires are used to gather additional information about your symptoms, including their impact on your daily life. To gain additional insight, you may be asked to share your thoughts from people who know you, such as your spouse, sibling, or friend.
It is important to note that those in England have a legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right of Choice route. Suggested Website could reduce the time spent waiting.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
The process to get a NHS diagnosis is relatively easy. You'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for the assessment.
You will attend a medical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical history as well as developmental milestones and family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to complete symptom checklists or ask for feedback from people who know you.
If your GP does not recommend an examination, it's worthwhile to find a new GP. This is especially true if you intend to apply for a Shared-Care Agreement with the NHS in the near future for medication. There are some helpful guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.