How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment, but it is important to follow the right steps. First, talk to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should treat you with seriousness and insist to fill out an assessment instrument.
Alternatively, you can choose to refer yourself to a private medical professional to get an ADHD assessment. This is a lot quicker than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still some biases that can make it more difficult for people to be diagnosed. This could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people with certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of a person with ADHD.
If your GP will not refer you to 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 helpful guide on this here.
A typical ADHD evaluation consists of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms, as well as questionnaires. You might also be asked about your family history and what effects your symptoms can have on you. They will also check whether you have any other health issues.
2. You can ask your GP for a referral
In England the UK, GPs can recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists via the "Right to Choose" process. This will allow 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 about why you think you may have ADHD. They should also discuss other mental health issues that affect your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. These include an interview and questionnaires that assess your symptoms as well as your family history and feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis will provide you with the help you require, including CBT therapy and medication. ADHD medications are stimulants that should only be prescribed by specialists. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your clinician, they will ask your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can be difficult to keep up in school and at work, as well as in relationships. It can also affect your health and cause various mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD assessments via a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights that you have as a citizen of England.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your appointment who will inquire you about your symptoms as well as your family history. Bring documents like performance evaluations and copies of previous psychological tests. adhd diagnosis assessment may also want to speak to your parents or other people who know you well. Then, they will determine if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend that you investigate medication options. They'll also discuss on-going care options, which could be continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP to share management.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be long especially if you reside in a place where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms, and then talk with you about your issues. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to describe your behaviours. This will give you an insight into your personality that isn't possible with a questionnaire.
The specialist will then send a diagnosis to your GP. If your doctor accepts a 'Shared care agreement', they'll arrange for you begin treatment through the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while because the NHS is under tremendous pressure and has a limited amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a huge relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your symptoms are not due to an individual failure or a neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of shame, guilt, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or through interviews with your family, teachers, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then compile a report containing their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that could include a CBT or medication.
If you are an adult in England you may also decide to be recommended by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This can be less expensive and quicker than waiting for an NHS referral. 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 may have ADHD, it's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can help you make reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to identify and diagnose ADHD. The procedure involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of your medical and developmental history, and questionnaires. Family members and other individuals who know you may be interviewed as well.
Adults or children must show symptoms in multiple contexts, including school, home and work and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behavior cannot be caused by another mental illness such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is usually the one who makes the diagnosis. A private assessment will involve a similar process, but the specialist will also assess for comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
If you're considering medications, then you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. You will be asked to fill out the checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they affect 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 agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Adults in England can now choose their own mental healthcare provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy appointment with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, including checklists for symptoms and behavior rating scales. Input from family members or others who know you well could be sought as well.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
It's important that you speak to your GP when you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS for an assessment.
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 also has a system called 'Right to Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your treatment and assessment. However, it can still be difficult to find organizations that qualify for this. Many individuals choose to have their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you choose this option, 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 should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
It may take a while to get an evaluation in the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health specialists are under immense pressure and have limited resources. It can also be difficult to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It will include a thorough assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks, family history and the current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to collect information about your symptoms and their impact on daily activities. Information from those who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or a close friend, can be collected to gain additional insight.
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
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis from the NHS, the process is relatively simple. You'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for the test.
You will attend a medical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical history, developmental milestones and your family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to fill out symptoms checklists and request feedback from people who know you well.
If your GP does not recommend an assessment, it's worth finding a new GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared-Care Agreement with the NHS in the near future for medications. There are some useful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.