How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however it's essential to ensure you follow the correct steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be able to take you seriously and ask you to fill in an assessment tool.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private health care 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 some biases that can make it harder for people to be diagnosed. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem that affects boys and people of certain backgrounds, and for those who do not fit into the stereotype.
If your GP does not want to send you to an assessment, it's worth taking a look at a different one, particularly if you wish to take advantage of a Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. The Psychiatry-UK website has a great guide to this here.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You may also be asked to provide details about your family background and how your symptoms affect your life. They will also inquire if you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP for a referral
In England, GPs may refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists through 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 take your concerns seriously and have an open and honest discussion with you about why you think you might have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that may be affecting your life.
If your doctor decides to refer you to the NHS for an evaluation, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis can aid you in getting the support you require, including CBT therapy and medication. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a specialist clinician. If you've received a private diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can make it hard to keep up with school, work or even relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to various mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment through an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have as a citizen of England.
In your evaluation you'll see psychiatrists who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. It's helpful to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies from previous results of psychological tests. They may want to speak to your parents or anyone else who know you well. Then they will decide whether you're diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend that you investigate the possibility of medication. They may also suggest ongoing care, which might include private treatment or discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a long one especially if you reside in a location where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to assess the severity of your symptoms and speak with you about your concerns. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse siblings, parents or sibling for adults) to describe your behaviours. This can give you a personal insights that are not possible with a questionnaire.
The specialist will then send an assessment to your GP. If your GP agrees with the "Shared Care" agreement, they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It can take a while and the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a great relief. assessment for adhd can help you understand that your or your child's symptoms are a result of a neurological condition and not a result of a personal failure, reducing feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or a conversation with your family members, teachers, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then create a report containing their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that could include CBT therapy or medication.
Adults in England can also be directed to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This is quicker and cheaper than waiting for a referral from the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the assessment yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for you or your child if he thinks they have ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatric, a review and questionnaires of your medical and development history. Family members and other people who know you may be interviewed as well.
Adults and children have to show symptoms in more than one settings, like school at home, work and school, and the symptoms cause impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually performed by psychiatrists. A private assessment involves a similar process. However, the specialist will also look for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
If you want to try medication, then you will have to consult a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will require you to complete a checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also assess whether your symptoms have been present 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 select their own mental health provider and choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical consultation with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. Input from 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
If you believe that your child has ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour It is essential to speak to your GP. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS to conduct an evaluation.
adhd assessment uk 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 an option called 'Right To Choose which means that you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your treatment and assessment. However, it can still be difficult to find organisations that are eligible for this. Many people opt to have their assessments and treatment privately instead. If you do then, your doctor will need to send a letter to your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll pay for medication privately, but the NHS should provide CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it can take a long time to receive an assessment. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health clinicians are under a lot of pressure and have limited resources. It can also be difficult to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done more quickly. It will include a thorough assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. The interview will include your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, and your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires are also used to collect information about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. Input from people who know you well, like 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 to choose their provider of NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" option. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
The process to get a NHS diagnosis is relatively easy. You'll need to request your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist, and then wait to be assessed.
You will attend a medical consultation with a specialist. They will inquire about your medical background, developmental milestones and family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You might also be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms and seek opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed It's a good idea to find another GP, especially if you plan on applying for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the road. Psychiatry UK offers a few helpful suggestions for you. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.