How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however it's essential to make sure you follow the correct steps. Talk to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should take you with respect and request to fill in an instrument for screening.
You can also self-refer to a private medical professional to get an ADHD assessment. This is a lot more efficient than the NHS.
1. Speak with your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still some biases that can make it more difficult for people to be diagnosed. Some of these biases can include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males or people from certain backgrounds, and for those who do not fit the stereotype.
If your GP does not recommend an assessment, you should think about finding a different doctor, especially if the NHS is offering the Right to Choose medication referral. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide to this here.
A typical ADHD evaluation consists of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms, as well as questionnaires. You might also be asked about your family history and the impact your symptoms have on you. They will also inquire whether you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP for a referral
In England the UK, GPs can recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists using the "Right to Choose" route. This will allow you to access the NHS faster and cut down the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have a open and honest discussions with you about the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that are impacting your life.
If your doctor decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they must follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis will aid you in getting the support you require, which includes CBT therapy and medication. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with work, school or relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD tests through an assessment process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
You'll meet a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. It can help to bring documents such as performance evaluations or copies of previous psychological test results. They may also want to speak with your parents or other family members who know you well. They will then determine if they can determine that you have ADHD. They may suggest that you investigate treatment options. They will also discuss 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 getting an ADHD assessment can be long, especially if you live in a location where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct your assessment will talk to you about how your symptoms 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 describe your behaviours. This will give you personal insights that are not possible through a questionnaire.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the doctor will provide a report your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement', they'll arrange for you begin treatment via the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while because the NHS is under enormous pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide huge relief. It can help you realize that the symptoms of your child or you are not caused by a personal failure or a neurological disorder. This can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a questionnaire or through interviews with your family, teachers and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then compile an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with the treatment plan which could include CBT or medications.
If you are an adult in England and you are a resident of England, you can choose to be recommended 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 will be paying for the examination yourself.
6. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you or your child thinks they are suffering from ADHD. 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 has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process includes an interview with a psychiatrist, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental background. Family members and others who know you well may be questioned as well.
Adults or children must show symptoms in more than one contexts, including school, home and work, and the symptoms cause impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by another mental illness such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually performed by psychiatrists. A private evaluation is a similar process. However, the doctor will also look for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to talk to a psychiatrist to get an assessment and diagnosis if you wish to try medication. They will request you to fill out a checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you require ADHD assessment, they can refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Alternatively adults in England have the legal right to select their own mental health provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview conducted by psychiatrist specialists, as well as questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as scales of behavior rating. Family members or other people who know you well may be requested as well.
8. Ask book adhd assessment for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think that your child is suffering from ADHD or are concerned about their behavior, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has a system called 'Right to Choose which means that you have the legal right to decide where you receive your treatment and assessment. It isn't easy to find organizations that are qualified. Many people choose to have their tests or treatments done privately. If you choose this option your doctor must write to your GP and then provide documentation to sign a Shared-Care Contract. This means you will pay for medications privately, but the NHS will be able to cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
It may take some time to receive an evaluation from the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health clinicians are under immense pressure and have limited resources. Additionally it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be completed more quickly. It will include a medical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones as well as family history and your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires will also be used to gather information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. To gain more information, you could be asked to provide input from people who are familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling, or your friend.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose option. This can reduce 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 ask your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist, and then wait to be evaluated.
You'll be able to have a consultation with the doctor and they'll ask about your medical background as well as developmental milestones, family history, and particular symptoms you're experiencing. You might also be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms and seek input from people who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to make an appointment for you to be assessed It's a good idea to find an alternative GP especially when you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the line. Psychiatry UK offers some useful suggestions for you. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.