How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however, it's crucial to ensure you follow the right steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP will take you seriously and ask that you fill out an instrument for screening.
If you prefer, you can opt to self-refer to a private healthcare provider for an ADHD assessment. This is a quicker option than the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still a few prejudices that make it difficult for people to get diagnosed. Some of these biases can include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys or people from certain backgrounds, and those who do not fit the stereotype.
If your GP does not recommend an evaluation, you should think about finding a different doctor, especially when the NHS is offering the Right to Choose medication referral. Here's a guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You may also be asked about your family history, and what impacts your symptoms may have on you. They will also ask if you have other health problems.
2. You can ask your GP for an appointment
In England, doctors can send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right to choose process. This allows you to access the NHS faster and can reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and have a candid and honest discussion about the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that affect your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis will help you get the support you require, which includes CBT therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a qualified physician. If you've received a private diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking for a prescription under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatrist.
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can be difficult to keep up with school at work, or in relationships. It can also affect your health and trigger a range of other mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessments via a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have as a citizen of England.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your assessment who will ask you about your symptoms and your family history. It can help to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of your previous results of psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or anyone else who are familiar with you. They will then decide whether they can determine that you have ADHD. They may recommend that you think about medication options. They'll also talk about ongoing care options, which could be continued private treatment or discharged back to your GP for shared management.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be a long one especially if you reside in a place where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk with you about how your symptoms affect you, and will use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to describe your behavior. This could provide an insight into your personality that cannot be found from questionnaires.
The specialist will then send a diagnosis to your GP. If your doctor agrees to the "Shared Care Agreement," they'll make arrangements for you to start treatment through the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. This can take some time as the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can provide great relief. It can help you realize that your child's or your symptoms are not due to an individual failure, but a neurological disorder. This can reduce 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 well. They will then create a report of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will then be offered an appropriate treatment plan that may include CBT therapy or medication.
Adults in England are also able to be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This is quicker and less expensive than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. You will have to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you or your child thinks they are suffering from ADHD. A clinical diagnosis will help you make reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in determining whether medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The procedure involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of the medical and developmental histories and questionnaires. Interviews may also be conducted with family members and others who are familiar with you.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings (such as school, home and at work) and cause impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by a mental health problem like anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is usually performed by a psychiatrist. A private assessment is a similar process, but the specialist will also check for any comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
If you're considering medications, then you'll require a consultation with a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. They will require you to complete the checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you require ADHD assessment, they can refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England are now able to choose their own mental healthcare provider, and opt for private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview conducted by psychiatrist specialists and questionnaires, such as symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating. The input of family members or other people who know you well could be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you believe that your child suffers from ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour it is important to talk to your GP. adhd assessments will consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment by the NHS.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England has a system known as 'Right To Choose' which means that you have a legal right to choose the place where you receive your care and tests. However, it can be difficult to find a company that qualify for this. Many people choose to have their assessments or treatment done in private. If you opt for this option your doctor must write to your GP and submit paperwork for a Shared-Care agreement. You will pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS will cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS, it can take some time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health clinicians work under great stress, and resources are limited. In addition it can be a challenge to navigate the complexity of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be completed more quickly. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks, family history, and current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires are also used to determine the extent of your symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning. People who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or a close friend, can be collected to gain additional insight.
It is important to remember that in England citizens have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for 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
If you're looking to receive an assessment through the NHS the process is fairly straightforward. You'll have to request your GP for an appointment with an ADHD specialist and then wait for an evaluation.
You will have a clinical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical history, developmental milestones and family history, as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to fill out the checklist of symptoms and seek opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP does not recommend an evaluation, it is worthwhile to find a new GP. This is especially relevant if you plan to apply for a Shared-Care Agreement with the NHS in the near future to receive medications. Psychiatry UK has some helpful suggestions for you. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.