How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Achieving an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however, it's crucial to make sure you follow the right steps. Talk with your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be able to take your concerns seriously and request you to fill out a screening tool.
If you prefer, you can opt to refer yourself to a private medical professional to get an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.
1. Talk with your doctor
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still some biases that can make it more difficult for people to get diagnosed. Some of these biases can include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males 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 intend to pursue the Right to Choose referral for medications through the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide about this here.
An ADHD assessment typically involves an ongoing conversation with a psychiatrist about 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 determine whether you have any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
In England, GPs are able to send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right to choose' pathway. This will allow you to access the NHS quicker and decrease the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and engage in a a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reason you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss other mental health issues affecting your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview and questionnaires that assess your symptoms and family history, as well as input from others who know you well. A diagnosis can aid you in getting the support you need, including CBT therapy and medication. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by specialists. Once you receive a private diagnosis from your doctor, they will ask your GP to prescribe under the terms of a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can make it hard to keep up with school, work or even relationships. It can also impact your health and trigger a range of other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment using an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights that you enjoy as a citizen of England.
At your assessment you'll be able to meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. It is helpful to bring documents such as performance evaluations or copies from previous psychological test results. They may also want to talk to your parents or others who know you well. They will then determine if they can diagnose you with ADHD. They may recommend that you consider medications. They will also discuss ongoing care, which might include private treatment or discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can take a long time especially if you reside in a place where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will speak to you about how your symptoms affect you, and will utilize questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This could give you a level of personal insight that cannot be found from questionnaires.
After you've received your diagnosis, the specialist will send a report to your GP. If your GP accepts a 'Shared care agreement' they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment via the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while as the NHS is under strain, and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide major relief. It can help you realize that the symptoms of your child or you are not due to an individual failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can help reduce 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 people who know you well. They will then put together the results of their investigation and any potential diagnosis. You will then be offered a treatment plan, which may include CBT therapy or medication.
If you are an adult in England you may also opt to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to private clinics. This can be faster and more affordable than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is also helpful to determine if medication could be beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process consists of an interview with a psychiatrist, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental history. Interviews may also be conducted with family members or others who know you well.
Adults and children have to show symptoms in multiple contexts, including school at home, work and school and the symptoms lead to impairment. The behaviour cannot be explained by a mental illness such as anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is typically made by psychiatrists. A private assessment involves a similar process. However, the specialist will also look for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You will need to consult a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and assessment in case you decide to take treatment. You will be asked to complete the checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
If your GP agrees that you need ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now choose their own mental health provider, and opt for private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview with psychiatrists, as well as questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as scales for rating behavior. You might also be asked to share your thoughts from family members or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you believe that your child has ADHD, or if you are concerned about their behavior, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines to diagnose ADHD. In Scotland the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network Guidelines (SIGN) are followed.
The NHS in England also has a system called 'Right to Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your treatment and assessment. It isn't easy to find organizations that qualify. Many individuals choose to have their assessments and treatment privately instead. If you choose this option your doctor must write to your GP and provide paperwork for a Shared-Care agreement. This means that you pay for medication privately, but the NHS will be able to cover CBT therapy.
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 clinicians are under lots of pressure and resources are scarce. assessed for adhd can be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. This will include a clinical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks as well as family history and the current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires will be used to gather additional details about your symptoms, as well as the impact they have on your daily life. To gain more insight, you may be asked to provide input from those who are familiar with you, for example, your spouse, sibling or friend.
It is important to know that in England, people have the legal right to select their provider of NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" option. This can cut down on the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis from the NHS, the process is quite simple. You will need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for an assessment.
You'll have a clinical interview with a specialist, and they'll ask you about your medical history as well as developmental milestones, family history, and particular symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptoms checklists or request feedback from people who are familiar with you.
If your GP won't refer you for an examination, it's worthwhile to find a new GP. This is especially relevant if you plan 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 try contacting private assessment providers directly.