How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Achieving an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however it's essential to make sure you follow the right steps. Talk to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP must take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill in an assessment tool.
You can also self-refer to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This route can be much quicker than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still a few prejudices that can make it harder for people to diagnose. This could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males, those from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of someone with ADHD.
If your GP does not want to send you to an examination, it's worth looking for a different one - particularly if you wish to pursue a Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. The Psychiatry-UK website has a great guide to this here.
An ADHD assessment usually involves a series of conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms, as well as questionnaires and scores. You may also be asked about your family history, and what impacts your symptoms may have on you. They will also inquire whether you have any other health problems.
2. Ask your GP to refer you
In England the UK, GPs can refer adults suffering from ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" process. This allows you to access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. They should also talk about other mental health issues 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 those who know you best. A diagnosis can provide you with the help you need, including treatment with medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a specialist clinician. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your clinician, they will ask your GP to prescribe under an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can be difficult to keep up with your schoolwork, at work or with relationships. It can also impact your health and lead to other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD assessments via the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you enjoy as an English citizen.
In your evaluation, you'll meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and your family history. Bring documents like performance evaluations and copies of your previous psychological tests. They may want to speak to your parents or other people who are familiar with you. Then they will decide whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend you consider treatment options. They may also suggest ongoing care, which may include private treatment or a discharge back to your GP.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
It is a lengthy process to receive an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in a region where there are not many services. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk with you about how your issues affect you and utilize questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to describe your behaviours. This could give you the kind of personal insight that cannot be found from questionnaires.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the doctor will provide a report to your GP. If your GP agrees to the 'Shared Care Agreement' and they'll help you begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It can take a while - the NHS is under strain, and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can provide great relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your own symptoms are not due to a personal failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect data from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members, teachers, and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then create an account of their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with an treatment plan that could include CBT or medication.
Adults in England can also be directed to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be quicker and cheaper than waiting for a referral from the NHS. You'll need to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you or your child suspects they have ADHD. A clinical diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be helpful for establishing whether medication would be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of medical and developmental history as well as questionnaires. Family members and other people who know you well could be interviewed as well.
how to get an adhd assessment uk should be present in at least two environments (such as home, school and at work) and result in impairment. The behavior can't be explained by a different mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically made by psychiatrists. A private examination is a similar process. However, the specialist will also check for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
If you want to try treatment, you will require a consultation with a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will request you to fill out a checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present ever since you were a child.
Your doctor should be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they are of the opinion that you require an ADHD assessment. Alternatively, adults in England now have the legal right to select their own mental health provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview with a specialist psychiatrist and questionnaires, which include checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. Input from family members or anyone else who knows you well could be sought as well.
8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP if you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment through the NHS.
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 a system called 'Right to Choose which means that you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your medical treatment and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that qualify. Many people prefer to have their assessments or treatment done in private. If you choose this option, your clinician must write to your GP and then provide documentation to sign a Shared-Care Contract. You will be paying for your medication privately, and the NHS should be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
In the NHS, it can take a long time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health specialists work under great pressure, and the resources are not abundant. It can also be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much quicker. It includes a clinical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, 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 additional information, you could be asked to share your thoughts from people who are familiar with you, like your spouse, sibling or your friend.
It is important to know that in England individuals have the legal right to select their preferred provider for NHS assessments through the "Right to Choose" option. This can cut down on waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You'll need to make an appointment with your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist and wait for the appointment to be assessed.
You'll be able to have a consultation with the specialist and they'll inquire about your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and the particular symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptoms checklists or request feedback from people who know you.
If your GP refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed you should consider seeking a new GP especially when you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the road. Psychiatry UK offers some useful advice for you. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.