How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however, it's crucial to ensure you follow the correct steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment tool.
Alternatively, you can choose to refer yourself to a private medical professional for an ADHD assessment. This option is much quicker than using the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
In the UK there is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, certain beliefs can make it difficult for people to recognize the symptoms. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem that affects boys, people with particular backgrounds, or who do not fit into the stereotype.
If your GP will not refer you to an assessment, you should consider finding another - especially when the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide to this here.
get assessed for adhd involves the conduct of a series of discussions with a psychiatrist about your symptoms, as well as questionnaires and scores. You might also be asked to provide information about your family background and how your symptoms affect you. They will also inquire if you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. Request your GP for an appointment
In England doctors can refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists using the "Right to Choose" route. This can allow you to access the NHS faster and cut down waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also talk about 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, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms, family history, and feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis can help you get the support you require, including treatment with medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Once you have a private diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking for a prescription under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or social relationships. It can also affect your health and trigger various mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment using an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
In your evaluation you'll be able to meet with psychiatrists who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. It can help to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies from previous psychological test results. It is also possible to speak to your parents or other individuals who know you well. They will decide whether they are able to diagnose you with ADHD. They may suggest that you look into treatment options. They'll also discuss ongoing care, which could be continued private treatment or discharged back to your GP for shared management.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
It can be a long process to obtain an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in a region where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who does your assessment will talk with you about how your problems affect you, and use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse siblings, parents or sibling for adults) to describe your behaviours. This could provide an insight into your personality that is not available through questionnaires.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the doctor will provide a report to your GP. If your GP agrees with the 'Shared Care Agreement', they will arrange for you to start treatment through the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. get assessed for adhd can take some time as the NHS is under pressure and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a great relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your symptoms aren't caused by personal shortcomings or a neurological disorder. This can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or interviews with your family, teachers and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then compile an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. Then, you will be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that may include CBT therapy or medication.
Adults in England can also 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. However, you will be paying for the examination yourself.
6. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect you or your child have ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can help you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be helpful to determine if medication could be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for how to evaluate and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of the medical and developmental histories and questionnaires. Interviews may also be conducted with family members or others who are familiar with you.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two settings (such as school, home and at work) and result in impairment. The behaviour cannot be explained by a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. A psychiatrist is usually the person who makes the diagnosis. A private assessment involves a similar process. However, the specialist will also check for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
If you want to try medication, then you will require a consultation with a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. You will be asked to complete a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present ever since you were a child.
Your GP is likely to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they are of the opinion that you require an ADHD assessment. In addition, adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to choose their own mental health provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview conducted by a psychiatrist specialist, as well as questionnaires, such as symptom checklists and scales for rating behavior. Input from family members or others who know you well could be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you believe that your child has ADHD or have concerns about their behaviour, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by the NHS.
The NHS 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 has a system called 'Right to Choose,' which means that you have a legal right to choose where you receive your treatment and evaluations. However, it can be difficult to find a company that are eligible for this. Many patients prefer having their examinations or treatments performed privately. If you opt for this option your doctor must write to your GP and then provide documentation for a Shared-Care Agreement. This means that you pay for medication privately, however the NHS should be able to cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it could take a while to get an assessment. This is because NHS mental health clinicians are under lots of pressure and resources are scarce. It can be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is quicker. It includes 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 a friend, could be gathered to provide additional information.
It is important to note that those in England have a legal right to choose the provider they use for NHS assessments through the 'Right to Choose route. This can reduce the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process to get a NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You will need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for the assessment.
You'll be able to have a consultation with the doctor and they'll inquire about your medical background, developmental milestones, family history, and particular symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to fill out the checklist of symptoms and seek opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to refer you for an assessment, it's worth seeking another GP especially if you plan on applying for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the line. There are some useful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.