How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult however it's essential to ensure you follow the correct steps. Talk with your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should treat you with respect and request to fill out an assessment instrument.
You can also self-refer to a private health care provider to get an ADHD assessment. This is a faster route than using the NHS.
1. Talk to adhd assessments
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still biases that can make it more difficult for people to get diagnosed. These can include the perception that ADHD is only a problem for males, those from certain backgrounds, or who don't fit the stereotype of a person with ADHD.
If your GP refuses to recommend you for an examination, it's worth looking for a different one - particularly if you wish to pursue a Right to Choose referral for medication through the NHS. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide about this here.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You may be asked to provide details about your family background and the way your symptoms affect your life. They will also determine if you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you
In England, GPs may refer adults suffering from ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" route. This allows you to access the NHS faster and can reduce waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and engage in a a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reasons you think you may be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that are affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your GP should 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 require, which includes medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with school, work or even relationships. It can also affect your health and lead you to other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessments via 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. Bring documents such as performance evaluations and copies of any previous psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or other family members who know you well. They will then decide if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They might suggest that you investigate 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.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be long particularly if you live in an area that has a limited number of 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 also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse siblings, parents or sibling for adults) to comment on your behavior. This will give you personal insights that are not possible with an online questionnaire.
After you've received your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report your GP. If your doctor accepts a 'Shared care agreement', they'll arrange for you begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while because the NHS is under enormous pressure and has a limited amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can be a wonderful relief. It will help you realize that your your child's symptoms are due to a neurological condition and not a result of a personal failure, reducing feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or an interview with your family members as well as teachers and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write an account of their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with a treatment plan, which may include medication or CBT therapy.
Adults in England are also able to be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This is quicker and less expensive than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP for a referral for you or your child if he suspects they have ADHD. A clinical diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is also helpful to determine if medication could be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review and questionnaires of your medical and development background. Family members and other individuals who know you well could be interviewed as well.
The symptoms must be present in at least two environments (such as home, school and at work) and cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be explained by another mental illness such as anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is usually done by a psychiatrist. A private evaluation will follow a similar process, but the specialist will also look for any comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
You will need to consult an Psychologist to obtain an assessment and diagnosis for if you want to try medications. You will be asked to complete a 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.
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 now have the legal right to select their own mental health healthcare provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview conducted by a psychiatrist specialist as well as questionnaires including symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating. You might also be asked to give input from family members or others who are familiar with you.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It's important that you speak to your GP if you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
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 also has the system known as 'Right to Choose This means that you have the legal right to decide where you receive your treatment and assessment. However, it can still be difficult to find organisations that qualify for this. Many people opt to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you decide to do this your doctor will write to your GP and submit paperwork for a Shared-Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication privately, and the NHS will be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it could take a while to get an assessment. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health clinicians are under a lot of pressure and resources are scarce. adhd assessments can also be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much quicker. It will include a thorough assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones as well as family history and the current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires will also be used to determine the extent of your symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, like your spouse, sibling or a close friend, can be gathered to provide additional information.
It's worth mentioning that people in England have a legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments by following the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This can cut down on waiting times.
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 have a clinical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical history as well as developmental milestones and your family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to fill out the checklist of symptoms and seek opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP won't refer you for an evaluation, it is recommended to find a different GP. This is particularly true if you intend to submit a Shared-Care Application with the NHS in the near future for medication. Psychiatry UK offers a few helpful tips for you. You can also make contact with private assessment providers directly.