How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment however it is essential to follow the right steps. Talk with your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should treat you seriously and ask to fill in an instrument for screening.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This is a lot more efficient than the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
In the UK there is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, some biases can make it difficult to diagnose people. One of these biases could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem that affects boys and people of certain backgrounds, and for those who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP will not refer you to an assessment, you should look into a different one, particularly when the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. Here's 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 may be asked to give information about your family background and how your symptoms impact you. They may also inquire if you have other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to a
In England doctors can refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists via the "Right to Choose" route. This can help you access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and have a a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also talk about other mental health issues that could be affecting your life.
If your doctor decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview and questionnaires assessing your symptoms and family history, as well as feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis can provide you with the help you need, including CBT therapy and medication. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified clinician. Once you have a private diagnosis, your doctor 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 debilitating condition. It can be difficult to keep up in school, at work or with relationships. It can also impact your health and cause a range of other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment using the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights that you enjoy as a citizen of England.
You'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your appointment who will inquire you questions about your symptoms and your family history. Bring documentation like performance evaluations or copies of previous psychological tests. They may want to speak to your parents or anyone else who are familiar with you. Then they will decide whether you're diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend that you investigate the possibility of medication. They may also suggest ongoing care, which may include private treatment or a referral back to your GP.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can take a long time especially if you reside in a place where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms, and then talk with you about your concerns. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to describe your behavior. This could give you an insight into your personality that isn't possible through an online questionnaire.
After receiving your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report to your GP. If your doctor agrees to the "Shared Care Agreement," they'll make arrangements for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This could take some time, as the NHS is under immense pressure and has a finite amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide huge relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your own symptoms are due to a neurological condition and not a result of a personal failure, reducing feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or a conversation with your family members, teachers, and others 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.
If you are an adult in England and you are a resident of England, you can choose to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This can be faster and more affordable than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the examination yourself.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect you or your child has ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatric exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental history. Interviews may also be conducted with family members and other people who know you well.
Adults and children have to show symptoms in two or more situations, such as school at home, work and school, and the symptoms cause impairment. The behavior is not explained by another mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. A psychiatrist is typically the person who makes the diagnosis. A private evaluation will follow similar procedures, however the specialist will also check for any comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to talk to a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and assessment for if you want to try treatment. They will request you to fill out an inventory of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present ever since you were a child.
Your doctor is likely to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they are of the opinion that you require an ADHD assessment. Alternatively adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to select their own mental health care provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy consultation with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, such as checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. 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.
It's important that you speak to your GP when you suspect that your child may have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS to conduct an evaluation.
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 called 'Right to Choose' which means that you have a legal right to select which treatment and tests. It can be difficult to find organizations that qualify. Many patients prefer to receive their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you do, your clinician will need to provide your GP with paperwork for a Shared Care Agreement. You will be paying for your medication privately, while the NHS should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
It may take a while to receive an evaluation from the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health clinicians are under immense pressure and resources are scarce. Additionally, it can be difficult to navigate the maze of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It includes a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. The interview will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, as well as your current symptoms. book adhd assessment -report questionnaires are also used to gather information about your symptoms and the impact they have on your everyday functioning. For additional insight, you may be asked to share your thoughts from those who know you, like your spouse, sibling or your friend.
It's worth mentioning that people in England have a legal right to choose the provider they use for NHS assessments by following the 'Right to Choose route. This could 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 fairly simple. You'll need to ask your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait to be evaluated.
You will be scheduled for a clinical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical background along with developmental milestones, your family history as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to complete symptoms checklists or request feedback from those who are familiar with you.
If your GP refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed you should consider seeking a new GP particularly when you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the road. There are some helpful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.