How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment however it is essential to follow the right steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be able to take you seriously and ask you to fill in an assessment tool.
You can also opt to refer yourself to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This is a quicker option than the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
In the UK There is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, certain prejudices can make it difficult to diagnose people. This could include the belief that ADHD only affects boys, people from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP does not want to send you to an assessment, you should considering finding another one - particularly if you wish to seek the Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Here is a guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD evaluation consists of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You might also be asked to provide details about your family history and the way your symptoms affect your life. They may also inquire if you have other health problems.
2. Ask your GP for an appointment
In England doctors can recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists via the "Right to Choose" process. This allows you to access the NHS faster and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and have a a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reason you think you may be suffering from ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that are affecting your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an evaluation, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from the people who know you best. A diagnosis can help receive the support you require, which includes medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified clinician. After you have received a private diagnosis from your doctor and they ask your GP to prescribe under the terms of a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to refer 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 lead to other mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment through the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you enjoy as an English citizen.
You'll meet a psychiatrist at your appointment who will inquire you about your symptoms and your family history. Bring documents like performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or others who know you well. They will then determine whether they are able to diagnose you with ADHD. They may suggest that you investigate medication options. They'll also discuss on-going treatment options, which could include ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can take a long time especially if you reside in an area where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist who does the assessment will speak to you about how your issues affect you, and use questionnaires to assess the severity of your symptoms. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse or sibling, or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This could provide an insight into your personality that cannot be found from questionnaires.
After you've received your diagnosis, the doctor will provide a report your GP. If your GP agrees with the "Shared Care" agreement, they will arrange for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. This can take some time - 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 great relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are a result of an illness of the brain and not a result of a personal failure and can help reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a questionnaire or interviews with your teachers, family members and other individuals who know you well. They will then create an account of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will then be offered an appropriate treatment plan that could include medication or CBT therapy.
If you are an adult in England you may also decide to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This can be quicker and more affordable than waiting for a referral from the NHS. You'll need to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you for an assessment. A clinical diagnosis will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be useful to determine if medication could be beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to identify and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a study of your medical and developmental history, and questionnaires. Family members and other people who know you well may be questioned as well.
The symptoms must be present in at least two settings (such as home, school, and work) and result in impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by another mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically performed by a psychiatrist. A private assessment is a similar process, but the specialist will also assess for comorbid conditions.
7. Ask visit link to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to talk to an expert psychiatrist for a diagnosis and assessment in case you decide to take medications. You will be asked to complete an inventory of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also look into whether your symptoms have been present since the time you were a child.
If your GP agrees that you need ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Alternatively, adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to select their own mental health healthcare provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, which include checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. You may also be asked to share your thoughts from relatives or others who are familiar with you.
8. Ask explanation for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect that your child suffers from ADHD, or if you are concerned about their behavior It is essential to speak to your GP. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an assessment through the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as 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 decide where you receive your treatment and assessment. However, it can still be difficult to find a company that are eligible for this. Many patients prefer having their examinations or treatments performed in private. If you choose this option your doctor will write to your GP and then provide documentation for a Shared-Care agreement. This means you will pay for medication privately, however the NHS should be able to cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
It may take some time to receive an evaluation in the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health specialists are under immense pressure and resources are limited. In addition it can be a challenge to navigate the maze of 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 your current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to gather additional information regarding your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily activities. To gain more information, you could be asked to provide input from people who know you, for example, your spouse, sibling, or your friend.
It is important to know that in England individuals have the legal right to select their provider of NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" route. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process for getting an NHS diagnosis is fairly simple. You'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for an assessment.
You will have a clinical consultation with an expert. They will inquire about your medical history along with developmental milestones, family history, as in addition to the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptom checklists and ask for feedback from people who know you well.
If your GP does not recommend an evaluation, it is worth finding a new GP. This is particularly true if you intend to submit a Shared-Care Application with the NHS in the near future for medications. 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.