How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment however it is essential to follow the right steps. Talk to your GP about the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should treat you with seriousness and insist that you fill out an assessment instrument.
If you prefer, you can opt to go directly to a private healthcare provider for an ADHD assessment. This is a faster route than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still some biases that can make it more difficult for people to be diagnosed. Some of these biases can include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys or people from certain backgrounds, and for those who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP won't refer you for an assessment, you should consider finding another - especially when the NHS offers the Right to Choose medication referral. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
An ADHD evaluation typically consists of an ongoing conversation with the psychiatrist about your symptoms and also questionnaires and scores. You might also be asked about your family history, and what effects your symptoms can have on you. They may also inquire whether you have any other health problems.
2. Ask uk adhd assessment to refer you to a
In England the UK, GPs can refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists via the "Right to Choose" pathway. This lets you access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons why you believe you may have ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that are affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis can provide you with the help you need, including CBT therapy and medication. ADHD medications are stimulants that should only be prescribed by specialists. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can be difficult to keep up with your schoolwork and at work, as well as in relationships. It can also affect your health and lead you to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD tests through a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
You'll meet a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. It's helpful to bring documents such as performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological test results. They might want to talk to your parents or other people who are familiar with you. They will then decide if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend that you look into the possibility of medication. They'll also talk about ongoing care options, which could be ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
It can be a long process to get an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in a region in which there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to assess the severity of your symptoms and speak to you about your problems. They may ask you to describe your behaviour or consult someone who is familiar with you such as your spouse, sibling or your parents if you're an adult. This could give you a level of personal insight that is not available through questionnaires.
After receiving your diagnosis, the specialist will send a report to your GP. If your doctor accepts an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement and they'll help you begin treatment via the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. It could take a while and the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a wonderful relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are caused by an illness of the brain and not a personal failing and reduce the feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then create an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. You will be given a treatment plan that may include CBT or medication.
If you are an adult in England you may also choose to be recommended by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This is quicker and less expensive than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. You'll have to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you think you or your child have ADHD, it's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis will help you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be helpful in determining whether medication will be beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of your medical and developmental history and questionnaires. Family members and other people who know you may be questioned too.
The symptoms must be present in at least two environments (such as school, home, and work) and result in impairment. The behavior can't be explained by a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the person who makes the diagnosis. A private evaluation will follow similar procedures, however the specialist will also assess for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
You'll need to talk to an expert psychiatrist for a diagnosis and assessment for if you want to try medications. You will be asked to fill out a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you need ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Alternately adults in England now have the legal right to select their own mental health care provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a medical consultation with a specialist psychiatrist as well as questionnaires, which include checklists for symptoms and behavior rating scales. You might also be asked to share your thoughts from family members or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think that your child suffers from ADHD or have concerns about their behaviour it is important to talk to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
The NHS in England and 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 known as 'Right to Choose' which means that you have a legal right to select the place where you receive your care and assessments. 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 choose this option your doctor will write to your GP and provide paperwork for a Shared-Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS will 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 great pressure, and the resources are not abundant. It can be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. This will include a clinical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks as well as family history and the current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to collect information about your symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. People who know you well, for example your spouse, sibling or a friend, could be gathered for additional insights.
It's worth mentioning that people in England have the legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments through the 'Right to Choice option. This could reduce the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You'll need to request your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait to be evaluated.
You'll have a clinical interview with a specialist and they'll ask about your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and particular symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to fill out symptoms checklists or request feedback from those who know your condition.
If your GP refuses to refer you for an assessment, it's worth seeking a new GP particularly when you are planning to apply 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 make contact with private assessment providers directly.