How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however, it's crucial to follow the right steps. Talk to your GP about why you believe you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP must take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill in a screening tool.
You can also opt to go directly to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This is a quicker option than the NHS.
1. Speak with your doctor
In the UK, there is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, some biases can make it difficult to diagnose people. These can include the perception that ADHD only affects males, those from certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of a person with ADHD.
If your GP is unable to recommend you for an assessment, you should looking for a different one - especially if you intend to pursue the Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of meetings with a psychiatrist regarding your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You might be asked to provide details about your family background and how your symptoms impact your life. They will also determine whether you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP for an appointment
In England the UK, GPs can refer adults suffering from ADHD to psychiatrists via the "Right to Choose" route. This allows you to access the NHS faster and can reduce waiting times.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and have an open and frank discussion with you about the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. They will conduct an interview, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms, family history, and input from others who know you well. A diagnosis can provide you with the help you require, which includes medication and CBT therapy. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a specialist physician. If you've received a private diagnosis, your clinician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared-Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP for a referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a limiting condition. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or even relationships. It can also impact your health and lead to a range of other mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD assessments through a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights you have as a citizen of England.
You'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history. It's helpful to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of previous results of psychological tests. You may also wish to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. They will then determine whether they are able to determine that you have ADHD. They might suggest that you look into medication options. They may also suggest ongoing care, which may include private treatment or a discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
It can be a lengthy process to get an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in an area in which there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms, and then talk to you about your problems. They may ask you to describe your behaviour or consult someone who knows you well such as your spouse, sibling, or parents if you're an adult. This could provide an insight into your personality that is not available through questionnaires.
The specialist will provide an assessment to your GP. If adhd assessments accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement', they'll arrange for you begin treatment via the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This may take time, as the NHS is under tremendous pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can provide huge relief. It can help you understand that the symptoms of your child or you are not due to a personal failure or a neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect data from a questionnaire or a conversation with your family members, teachers, and others who know you well. They will then put together the results of their investigation and any potential diagnosis. You will receive the treatment plan which could include CBT or medication.
If you are an adult in England you may also decide to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This can be less expensive and quicker than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you'll be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP for a referral in the event that you or your child thinks they have ADHD. A clinical diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a study of medical and developmental history as well as questionnaires. Interviews may be conducted with family members or others who know you well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (such as home, school and at work) and result in impairment. The behavior can't be explained by another mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the one to make the diagnosis. A private assessment involves the same procedure. However, the specialist will also look for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to talk to an Psychologist to obtain a diagnosis and assessment for if you want to try treatment. They will ask you to complete an inventory of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
Your GP will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they believe you require an ADHD assessment. Adults in England can now select their own mental health provider, and opt for private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview with a psychiatrist specialist as well as questionnaires including symptom checklists and scales for rating behavior. You may also be asked to give input from family members or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP if you suspect your child might have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS to conduct an evaluation.
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 the system known as 'Right to Choose This means that you have the legal right to decide where you receive your treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find organizations that meet the requirements for this. Many individuals choose to have their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you decide to do so, your clinician will need to provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication privately, while the NHS should be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
In the NHS, it can take a while to get an assessment. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health professionals are under a lot of pressure and resources are scarce. Additionally it can be a challenge to navigate the maze of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. This will include a medical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will cover your medical history as well as developmental milestones, family history, and your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to gather information about your symptoms and how they affect your everyday functioning. People who know you well, like a spouse, sibling, or friend, may also be gathered for additional insights.
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" route. This can reduce the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis through the NHS the process is quite simple. Click To See More 'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for an assessment.
You will have a clinical consultation with a specialist. They will inquire about your medical history as well as developmental milestones and family history as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You might also be asked to complete symptom checklists and ask for input from people who know you well.
If your GP will not refer you to an examination, it's recommended to find a different GP. This is especially relevant if you plan to apply for a Shared-Care Agreement with the NHS in the future for medication. There are some useful guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.