How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be a challenge, but it's important to ensure you follow the correct steps. First, talk to your GP and explain the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take you with seriousness and insist that you fill out an instrument for screening.
You can also self-refer to a private healthcare provider for an ADHD assessment. This is a faster route than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
In the UK There is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, some prejudices can make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. This could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP won't refer you for an examination, you need to think about finding a different doctor, especially if the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. The Psychiatry-UK website has a great guide to this here.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms, as well as questionnaires. You might 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 issues.
2. Request your GP for an appointment
In England, doctors can refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right to Choose route. This can help you access the NHS quicker and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and engage in a open and honest discussions with you about the reasons you think you might have ADHD. They should also discuss other mental health issues that affect your life.
If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. They will conduct an interview and questionnaires assessing your symptoms, family history, and information from those who know you well. A diagnosis will help to provide you with the help you require, including medication and CBT. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a specialist physician. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared Care Contract'.
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 you to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD evaluations through a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have as an English citizen.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your appointment who will inquire you about your symptoms as well as your family history. Bring documentation like performance evaluations and copies of your previous psychological tests. It is also possible to speak to your parents or other people who know you well. They will then decide if they can identify you as having ADHD. They might suggest that you look into medication options. They'll also discuss ongoing care, which could be ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be long, especially if you live in a place where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to assess the severity of your symptoms, and then talk with you about your concerns. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This will give you an insight into your personality that isn't possible with the help of a questionnaire.
The specialist will send an assessment to your GP. If your GP accepts an agreement called a 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 due to the fact that the NHS is under tremendous pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a huge relief. It can help you understand that your or your child's symptoms are caused by an illness of the brain and not a personal failing and can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members, teachers, and others who know you well. They will then compile an account of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will then be offered a treatment plan, which may include medication or CBT therapy.
If you are an adult in England you may also choose to be directed by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This is quicker and less expensive than waiting for a referral from the NHS. You'll need to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP for a referral if you or your child believes they may have ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. adhd online assessment can be useful for knowing if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for how to evaluate and diagnose ADHD. The process includes an interview with a psychiatric, a review and questionnaires of your medical and development history. Interviews can also be conducted with family members and others who know you well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (such as school, home, and work) and result in impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the one who makes the diagnosis. A private examination is the same procedure. However, the specialist will also look for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
If you want to try medications, then you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. You will be asked to complete the checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since the time you were a child.
Your GP should be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they believe you require an ADHD assessment. Adults in England can now choose their own mental health provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy appointment with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, which include symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. The input of family members or others who know you well could be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is crucial to speak to your GP if you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with the NHS.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network Guidelines (SIGN) are followed.
The NHS in England also has a system called 'Right to Choose', which means you have the legal right to decide where you receive your treatment and assessment. However, it can still be difficult to find a company that are eligible for this. Many patients prefer having their tests or treatments done privately. If you choose to do this, your clinician will need to write to your GP with a form for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication privately, and the NHS should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS, it can take a long time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health professionals are under great stress, and resources are limited. It can also be difficult to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. It includes a clinical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. The interview will include your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, and current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires are used to gather additional details about your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, such as your spouse, sibling or a close friend, can be gathered to provide additional information.
It is important to remember that in England, people have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments by following the "Right to Choose" route. This can reduce wait 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 ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and then wait for the test.
You will have a clinical consultation with a specialist. They will inquire about your medical history as well as developmental milestones and family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You might also be asked to complete symptom checklists and ask for input from people who know you well.
If your GP will not refer you to an assessment, it's worth finding a new GP. This is particularly true if you intend to apply for a Shared-Care agreement with the NHS in the near future to receive medications. There are some useful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.
