How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a challenge however it's essential to ensure you adhere to the correct procedures. Talk with your GP about the reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take you seriously and ask to fill out a screening instrument.
If you prefer, you can opt to go directly to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This option is much faster than the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still a few prejudices that can make it harder for people to get diagnosed. These can include the perception that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people with certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the stereotype of a person with ADHD.
If your GP does not recommend an evaluation, you should consider finding another - especially if the NHS is offering the Right to Choose medication referral. The Psychiatry-UK website has a great guide to this here.
A typical ADHD evaluation consists of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You may also be asked about your family history and the impacts your symptoms may have on you. They will also inquire if you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you
In England the UK, GPs can refer adults suffering from ADHD to psychiatrists via the "Right to Choose" process. This will allow you to access the NHS faster and cut down 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 might have ADHD. They should also discuss other mental health issues that affect your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview and questionnaires that assess your symptoms as well as your family history and input from others who know you well. A diagnosis will help to provide you with the help you require, including medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that must be prescribed by a specialist. After you have received a private diagnosis from your clinician and they ask your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatrist.
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with school, work or even relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
adhd diagnostic assessment offers specialized ADHD assessment through an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have as a citizen of England.
You'll meet a psychiatrist at your appointment who will inquire you about your symptoms and your family history. It can help to bring records like performance evaluations or copies from previous psychological test results. They may also want to talk to your parents or others who are familiar with you. They will then decide if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They might suggest that you think about medications. They'll also discuss ongoing care, which could be continued private treatment or discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
It can be a lengthy process to receive an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in an area where there are not many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms, and then talk with you about your issues. They might ask you to describe your behaviour or consult someone who knows you well such as your spouse, sibling or parents if you're an adult. This could give you an insight into your personality that isn't possible through an online questionnaire.
The specialist will send an assessment to your GP. If your doctor agrees to the "Shared Care" agreement, they'll arrange for you to begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. This could take some time because the NHS is under enormous pressure and has a finite amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide huge relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your symptoms are not due to an individual failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or an interview with your family members as well as teachers and other people who know you well. They will then create a report of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will be given an treatment plan that could include CBT or medications.
Adults in England can also be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be faster and less expensive than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. However, you will be paying for the assessment yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you suspect you or your child has ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you make reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for knowing if medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines for how to evaluate and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a study of the medical and developmental histories, and questionnaires. Interviews can also be conducted with family members and other people who know you well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (such as home, school, and work) and cause impairment. The behavior is not explained by a mental illness, like anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is usually performed by a psychiatrist. A private assessment will involve similar procedures, however the specialist will also assess for comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
If you're considering medications, then you'll have to consult a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will require you to complete the checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present ever since you were a child.
If your GP agrees that you require ADHD assessment, they can refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now select their own mental health provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy consultation with a specialist psychiatrist and questionnaires, which include symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. You may also be asked to give input from relatives or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP when you suspect that your child may have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment through the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines to diagnose 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 the legal right to select where you receive your treatment and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that qualify. Many individuals choose to have their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you decide to do so, 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 will cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
In the NHS, it can take some time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health clinicians work under great pressure, and resources are limited. In addition, it can be difficult to navigate the maze of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires are also used to determine the extent of your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or friend, may also be gathered to provide additional information.
It is important to know that in England citizens have the legal right of choosing their provider of NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" route. This can reduce the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you want to get an assessment through the NHS procedure, it's relatively simple. You'll need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and then wait for an assessment.
You'll be in a clinical interview with a specialist and they'll ask about your medical background and developmental milestones, your family history, and the particular symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms or seek feedback from people who are familiar with your condition.
If your GP refuses to refer you for an assessment you should consider seeking an alternative GP, especially if you plan on applying for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the line. There are some helpful tips on doing this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.