How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult, but it's important to ensure you follow the right steps. First, talk to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP will take you seriously and ask that you fill out a screening instrument.
You can also opt to self-refer to a private health provider to get an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.
1. Talk with your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still a few prejudices that can make it more difficult for people to diagnose. Some of these biases can include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people with certain backgrounds, and those who do not fit the stereotype.
If your GP will not refer you to an assessment, you should consider finding another - especially when the NHS is offering a Right to Choose medication referral. Here is a guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms and questionnaires. You might also be asked to provide information about your family background and the way your symptoms affect you. They will also ask if you have other health problems.
2. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
In England, GPs are able to send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This allows you to access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and engage in a an open and honest discussion with you regarding the reason you think you may 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 to get you the support you require, which includes medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that must be prescribed by specialists. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your clinician, they will ask your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it hard to keep up with school, work or social relationships. It can also affect your health and lead you to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD assessments via a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
In your evaluation, you'll meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. It is helpful to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of previous results of psychological tests. They may also want to speak to your parents or other family members who know you well. They will then determine whether they can diagnose you with ADHD. They might suggest you consider the possibility of medication. They will also discuss ongoing care, which may include private treatment or a referral back to your GP.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be long, especially if you live in a location where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct the assessment will speak with you about how your symptoms affect you, and use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse or sibling, or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This could give you an insight into your personality that is not available through questionnaires.
The specialist will provide an appointment to your GP. If your GP agrees to the 'Shared Care Agreement' and they'll help you begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This could take some time due to the fact that the NHS is under tremendous pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can be a great relief. assessment of adhd will help you realize that your child's or your symptoms are not caused by personal shortcomings or a neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of guilt, shame, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members, teachers, and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write a report containing their findings and possible diagnoses. You will be given the treatment plan which could include medication or CBT.
If you are an adult in England and you are a resident of England, you can choose to be directed by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This can be cheaper and quicker than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you'll be paying for the assessment yourself.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP for a referral for you or your child if he believes they may are suffering from ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is also helpful for establishing whether medication would be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The procedure involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of your medical and developmental history, and questionnaires. Interviews can also be conducted with family members and other people who know you well.
The symptoms must be present in at least two settings (such as school, home and at work) and cause impairment. The behavior is not explained by a mental illness, like depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually done by psychiatrists. A private evaluation is the same procedure. However, the specialist will also test for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
If you want to try medication, then you will need to see a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will require you to complete a checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also assess whether your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
Your GP is likely to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Alternately, adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to choose their own mental health healthcare provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical appointment with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, including checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. The input of family members or anyone else who knows you well may be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is crucial to speak to your GP If you think your child may have ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS for an evaluation.
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 select where you receive your treatment and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many people choose to have their assessments or treatment done in private. If you choose this option your doctor will write to your GP and provide paperwork to sign a Shared-Care Contract. You will have to pay for your medication privately, while the NHS should provide 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 specialists work under immense pressure, and resources are not abundant. It can also be difficult to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It will include a medical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, and current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires will also be used to collect information about your symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. To gain additional information, you could be asked to share your thoughts from those who know you, like your spouse, sibling or your friend.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have a legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments by following the 'Right to Choice route. This can cut down on waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you're looking to receive a diagnosis from the NHS, the process is quite simple. You'll need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for an assessment.
You will have a clinical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical history, developmental milestones and your family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to complete symptoms checklists or request feedback from people who are familiar with you.
If your GP isn't willing to make an appointment for you to be assessed, it's worth seeking another GP particularly if you plan on applying for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the road. There are some useful guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.