How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD assessment, but it is important to follow the correct steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill in an assessment tool.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private health care provider to receive an ADHD assessment. This option is much faster than the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
In the UK there is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, certain biases can make it difficult to diagnose people. This could include the belief that ADHD only affects boys, people from certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP is unable to refer you for an assessment, it's worth considering finding another one - particularly if you wish to pursue the Right to Choose referral for medication through the NHS. Here's a guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms and questionnaires. You might also be asked about your family history and what impacts your symptoms may have on you. They will also check if you have any other health issues.
2. Request your GP for an appointment
In England, doctors can send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This will allow you to access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and have an open and honest discussion about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that may be 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 can help receive the support you require, including medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist. Once you have a private diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared Care Contract'.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with work, school or social relationships. It can also affect your health and cause various mental health issues like 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 have as an English citizen.
You'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. Bring documents like performance evaluations and copies of previous psychological tests. You may also wish to speak with your parents or other individuals who know you well. They will then decide whether you're diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you consider medication options. get assessed for adhd 'll also talk about ongoing treatment options, which could include ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP for shared management.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can take a long time particularly if you live in a place where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms and speak with you about your concerns. They might ask you to describe your behavior or consult someone who is familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling, or parents if you are an adult. This could give you the kind of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
The specialist will then send a diagnosis to your GP. If your doctor accepts a 'Shared care agreement' they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment via 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 for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can be a great relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are not due to personal shortcomings or a neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of shame, guilt, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will take details from a questionnaire or interviews with your teachers, family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write a report containing their findings and possible diagnoses. You will be given an treatment plan that could include CBT or medications.
If you are an adult in England you may also opt to be recommended by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to private clinics. This can be faster and cheaper than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the examination yourself.
6. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect you or your child has ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. get assessed for adhd consists of an interview with a psychiatrist exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental background. Family members and others who know you may be questioned as well.
The symptoms must be present in at least two environments (such as school, home and at work) and result in impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by a different mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is typically done by psychiatrists. A private assessment will involve a similar process, but the specialist will also check for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
If you're considering medications, then you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. They will ask you to complete a checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present ever since you were a child.
Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they are of the opinion that you require an ADHD assessment. In addition adults in England now have the legal right to choose their own mental health healthcare provider and may choose to have private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment includes a medical interview with psychiatrist specialists as well as questionnaires including symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating. The input of family members or other people who know you well could be sought as well.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect that your child has ADHD or are concerned about their behavior It is essential to speak to your GP. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with 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 has a system known as 'Right To Choose', which means that you have a legal right to choose where you receive your treatment and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many individuals choose to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you decide to do this, your clinician must write to your GP and then provide documentation to sign a Shared-Care Contract. You will pay for your medication privately, while the NHS will be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an Child Psychiatrist
It may take some time to get an evaluation in the NHS. This is because NHS mental health professionals are under immense pressure and have limited resources. It can be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It will include a thorough assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will cover your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, as well as your current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to gather additional information about your symptoms, as well as their impact on your daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, like siblings, spouses, or friend, may also be gathered for additional insights.
It is important to remember that in England, people have the legal right to select their provider of NHS assessments by following the "Right to Choose" option. This can cut down on wait times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is relatively easy. You'll have to ask your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist and wait for the appointment to be assessed.
You'll have a clinical interview with a specialist, and they'll ask you about your medical background as well as developmental milestones, family history, and the particular symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptom checklists and ask for opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP refuses to recommend you for an assessment, it's worth seeking an alternative GP particularly in the event that you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the line. Psychiatry UK has some helpful advice for you. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.