How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment however it is essential to follow the correct steps. First, talk to your GP and explain the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be able to take seriously and ask you to fill in an assessment tool.
Alternatively, you can choose to go directly to a private health provider for an ADHD assessment. This is a lot more efficient than the NHS.
1. Talk with your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still biases that can make it harder for people to get diagnosed. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males or people from certain backgrounds, and those who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP does not want to refer you for an assessment, you should considering finding another one - especially if you intend to take advantage of the Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of meetings with a psychiatrist regarding your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You might also be asked to provide details about your family background and how your symptoms impact you. They will also check if you have any other health issues.
2. You can ask your GP for a referral
In England, GPs can send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right of Choice route. This allows you to access the NHS faster and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you regarding the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that may be affecting your life.
If your doctor 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 aid you in getting the support you require, including treatment with medication and CBT. Treatments for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a qualified physician. Once you have a private diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking for a prescription under a 'Shared-Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatrist.
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or even relationships. It can also impact your health and lead to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment using an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
You'll meet a psychiatrist at your appointment who will inquire you questions about your symptoms and your family history. It is helpful to bring records like performance evaluations or copies from previous results of psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. They will decide whether they can diagnose you with ADHD. They might suggest that you investigate treatment options. They may also suggest ongoing care, which may include private treatment or a discharge back to your GP.
4. Ask cost of adhd assessment to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can take a long time especially if you reside in a location that has a limited number of providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms and talk to you about your problems. They may ask you to describe your behaviour or seek out someone who is familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling, or your parents if you're an adult. This could provide the kind of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
The specialist will then send an appointment to your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement' they'll make arrangements for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This can take some time - 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 understand that your child's or your own symptoms aren't caused by personal shortcomings or an underlying neurological disorder. This can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will take details from a questionnaire or through interviews with your family, teachers and other individuals who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with an treatment plan that could include CBT or medication.
Adults in England are also able to be directed to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be faster and more affordable than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think you or your child may have ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. A clinical diagnosis will help you make reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of medical and developmental history, and questionnaires. Family members and others who know you well may be questioned too.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (such as home, school and at work) and cause impairment. The behavior cannot be caused by another mental illness, like anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is typically made by a psychiatrist. A private evaluation will follow the same process, however the specialist will also look for comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
If you are considering treatment, you will need to see a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. 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 the time you were a child.
If your GP agrees that you require ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now choose their own mental health provider and choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a medical interview with psychiatrists as well as questionnaires, such as symptom checklists and behavior rating scales. You could also be asked to give input from family members or other people who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you believe that your child has ADHD or are concerned about their behavior, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS for an evaluation.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England has a system called 'Right to Choose,' which means that you have a legal right to choose the place where you receive your care and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many patients prefer to receive their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you choose to do this then, your doctor will need to write to your GP with paperwork for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS should provide CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS, it can take some time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health clinicians work under a lot of pressure, and resources are not abundant. Additionally it can be a challenge to navigate the complexity of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. This will include a medical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks as well as family history and current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires will be used to gather additional information about your symptoms, as well as the impact they have on your daily life. Input from people who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or a friend, could be gathered to provide additional information.
It is important to note that those in England have a legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right of Choice option. This can reduce waiting times.
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 fairly straightforward. You'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and then wait for the assessment.
You'll be in a clinical interview with the doctor and they'll inquire about your medical background as well as developmental milestones, family history, and the particular symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to complete symptoms checklists or request feedback from those who know your condition.
If your GP won't refer you for an assessment, it's worthwhile to find a new GP. This is particularly relevant if you plan to submit a Shared-Care Application with the NHS in the future for medications. Psychiatry UK offers some useful advice for you. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.