How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment however it is essential that you follow the correct steps. Talk to your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP must take you seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment tool.
Alternatively, you can choose to self-refer to a private medical professional 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, certain biases can make it difficult to diagnose people. One of these biases could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys or people from particular backgrounds, or who do not fit the stereotype.
If your GP is unable to send you to an assessment, you should taking a look at a different one, especially if you want to seek a Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Here is a guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
An ADHD assessment typically involves the conduct of a series of discussions with the psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires and ratings. You may be asked to provide details about your family background and how your symptoms impact your life. They will also inquire whether you have any other health problems.
2. Have your GP to refer you
In England, GPs can refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist using the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This will allow you to access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion about why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that are affecting your life.
If your doctor decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they must follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis will help to get you the support you require, which includes medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by specialists. Once you receive a private diagnosis from your physician, they will ask your GP to prescribe under the terms of a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a limiting condition. It can be challenging to keep up with your schoolwork and at work, as well as in relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment using an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights you have as a citizen of England.
You'll meet a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you about your symptoms and your family history. It's helpful to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological test results. You may also wish to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. They will then decide whether you're diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you consider medication options. They'll also discuss on-going treatment options, which could include continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP for shared management.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be long particularly if you live in a location that has a limited number of providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms and speak with you about your concerns. They may ask you to describe your behaviour or consult someone who knows you well, such as your spouse, sibling, or parents if you are an adult. This could provide the kind of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
After receiving your diagnosis, the specialist will send a report to your GP. If your GP accepts the "Shared Care" agreement, they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment on the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while and the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a major relief. It can help you understand that your your child's symptoms are a result of an illness of the brain and not a personal failing, reducing feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members and other individuals who know you well. The psychiatrist will then compile an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. You will be given the treatment plan which could include CBT or medication.
Adults in England are also able to be sent to a private doctor by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be less expensive and quicker than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you will be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP for a referral if you or your child believes they may have ADHD. A clinical diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining whether medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatric, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental background. Interviews can also be conducted with family members and others who know you well.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings (such as school, home and at work) and cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the one to make the diagnosis. A private evaluation is a similar process. However, the specialist will also test for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
If you want to try treatment, you will have to consult a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. You will be asked to complete an inventory of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
Your GP is likely to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they believe you require an ADHD assessment. Alternatively, adults in England have the legal right to select their own mental health provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview conducted by psychiatrists and questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as behavior rating scales. Input from family members or other people who know you well may be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
It's important that you speak to your GP if you suspect your child may have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales and 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 an option called 'Right To Choose', which means you have the legal right to decide where you receive your treatment and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many people choose to have their tests or treatments done privately. If you opt for this option, your clinician must write to your GP and submit paperwork for a Shared-Care Agreement. This means you will pay for your medication privately, but the NHS should cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
It may take some time to receive an evaluation in the NHS. This is because NHS mental health specialists are under a lot of pressure and resources are scarce. It can be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. It will include a thorough assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. The interview will include your medical history as well as developmental milestones, family history, and current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to gather additional details regarding your symptoms, including their impact on your daily activities. Information from those who know you well, such as a spouse, sibling, 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 preferred provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" option. adhd assessment cost can reduce wait times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process for getting an NHS diagnosis is fairly simple. You'll need to ask your GP for an appointment with an ADHD specialist, and then wait for an evaluation.
You'll be in a clinical interview with the specialist and they'll ask about your medical history as well as developmental milestones, family history, as well as the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptom checklists or ask for feedback from people who know your condition.
If your GP will not refer you to an evaluation, it is worth finding a new GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared-Care agreement with the NHS in the near future to receive medications. There are some good guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.