How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD assessment However, it is crucial to follow the correct steps. First, talk to your GP and explain why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should treat you with seriousness and insist to fill in an assessment instrument.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private medical professional to get an ADHD assessment. This can be a much quicker option than the NHS.
1. Speak with your doctor
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still biases that can make it harder for people to get diagnosed. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys or people from certain backgrounds, and those who do not fit into the stereotype.
If your GP does not want to refer you for an examination, it's worth looking for a different one - particularly if you wish to seek the Right to Choose referral for medications through the NHS. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series meetings with a psychiatrist regarding your symptoms, as well as questionnaires. You might also be asked to provide information about your family background and how your symptoms impact you. They will also inquire whether you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP for a referral
In England, GPs may recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" pathway. This lets you access the NHS faster and can reduce waiting times.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you about why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that are impacting your life.
If your doctor decides to refer you to the NHS for an evaluation, they should follow NICE guidelines. These include an interview and questionnaires that assess your symptoms and family history, as well as input from others who know you well. A diagnosis will help to receive the support you require, which includes medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your clinician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared-Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with school, work or relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD assessment through the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
After your examination, you'll meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. It's helpful to bring records like performance evaluations or copies of your previous results of psychological tests. They may also want to speak to your parents or other people who know you well. Then, they will determine if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you look into the possibility of medication. They'll also discuss ongoing treatment options, which could include ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
It is a lengthy process to get an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in a region where there are not many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to assess the severity of your symptoms and speak with you about your concerns. They may ask you to describe your behavior or seek out someone who is familiar with you such as your spouse, sibling or parents if you are an adult. This can provide the kind of personal insight that cannot be found from questionnaires.
The specialist will send a diagnosis to your GP. If your GP agrees to a 'Shared care agreement' they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment through the NHS. psych assessment for adhd 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 for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a huge relief. It will help you realize that your your child's symptoms are a result of a neurological condition and not a result of a personal failure, reducing feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members, teachers, and others who are familiar with you. They will then compile an account of their findings and any possible diagnosis. Then, you will be provided with a treatment plan, which could include a CBT or medication.
If you are an adult in England you may also choose to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This can be faster and less expensive than waiting for a referral from the NHS. You'll have to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you suspect you or your child has ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you for an assessment. A clinical diagnosis will help you make reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be useful for establishing whether medication would be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a study of the medical and developmental histories, and questionnaires. Family members and other individuals who know you well may be questioned as well.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings (such as school, home and at work) and result in impairment. The behavior is not explained by another mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically performed by a psychiatrist. A private evaluation is the same process. However, the doctor will also check for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
If you're considering treatment, you will require a consultation with a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. They will require you to complete the checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also assess whether your symptoms have been present since the time you were a child.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you require ADHD assessment, they can refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now choose their own mental health provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview conducted by a psychiatrist specialist, as well as questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as behavior 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
If you think that your child is suffering from ADHD or have concerns about their behaviour It is essential to speak to your GP. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment through the NHS.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland they adhere to Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has a system called 'Right to Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose where you get your treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find a company that qualify for this. Many individuals choose to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you choose to do this then, your doctor will need to write to your GP with a form for a Shared Care Agreement. This means you will pay for medications privately, however the NHS will provide CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an Child Psychiatrist
It can take some time to receive an evaluation in the NHS. The NHS mental health clinicians work under immense pressure, and resources are limited. It can be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. This will include a clinical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. The interview will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires will also be used to determine the extent of your symptoms and their impact on daily activities. Information from those who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or a close friend, can be gathered for additional insights.
It is important to note that those in England have a legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose option. This can cut down on waiting times.
10. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process to get a NHS diagnosis is relatively easy. You will need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and then wait for the test.
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 be asked to complete symptom checklists or ask for feedback from people who know you.
If your GP refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed It's a good idea to find another GP, especially if you plan on applying for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the line. There are some good tips on doing this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.