How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult, but it's important to ensure you follow the right steps. First, speak to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should treat you seriously and ask to fill in a screening instrument.
Suggested Looking at can also self-refer yourself to a private health care provider to get an ADHD assessment. This is a faster option than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
In the UK There is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, some biases can make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males or people from particular backgrounds, or who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP will not refer you to an assessment, you should consider finding another - especially if the NHS is offering a Right to Choose medication referral. Here is a guide from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
An ADHD assessment typically involves the conduct of a series of discussions with the psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires and ratings. You may be asked to give details about your family background and how your symptoms affect your life. They will also ask if you have other health problems.
2. Request your GP for an appointment
In England, GPs can refer adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right to Choose process. This can allow you to access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and have a candid and frank discussion with you about why you think you may have ADHD. They should also talk about other mental health issues that could be affecting 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 can help get you the support you need including medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that must be prescribed by specialists. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your clinician and they ask your GP to prescribe under the terms of a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can be difficult to keep up with your schoolwork at work, or in relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD evaluations through a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have 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 any previous psychological tests. You may also wish to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. They will then decide whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you look into the possibility of medication. They may also suggest ongoing care, which could include private treatment or discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be long, especially if you live in an area where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct the assessment will talk with you about how your issues affect you, and use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. They may ask you to describe your behavior or seek out someone who is familiar with you like your spouse, sibling, or parents if you're an adult. This can provide a level of personal insight that cannot be found from questionnaires.
The specialist will provide an assessment to your GP. If your GP agrees with the 'Shared Care Agreement', they will arrange for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. This could take some time due to the fact that the NHS is under tremendous pressure and has a finite amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can be a huge relief. It can help you understand that the symptoms of your child or you aren't caused by a personal failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of shame, guilt, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire, or through an interview with family members as well as teachers and other people who know you well. They will then create the results of their investigation and any possible diagnosis. You will then be provided with a treatment plan, which could include medication or CBT therapy.
If you are an adult in England you may also opt 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. You'll need to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you or your child thinks they are suffering from ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and development history. Family members and others who know you may be questioned as well.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings (such as school, home and at work) and cause impairment. The behavior is not caused by another mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually done by a psychiatrist. A private assessment involves a similar process. However, the doctor will also test for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
You will need to consult a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and assessment for if you want to try medication. They will require you to complete an inventory 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.
If your doctor agrees with you that you require ADHD assessment, they can refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Alternately, adults in England have the legal right to choose their own mental health healthcare provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical consultation with a specialist psychiatrist as well as questionnaires, such as symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. Family members or others who know you well may be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP If you think your child may be suffering from ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP should 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 a system called 'Right to Choose which means that you have the legal right to choose where you get your treatment and assessment. It isn't easy to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many patients prefer to receive their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you do the latter, your physician will have to send a letter to your GP with a form for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means you will pay for your medication privately, but the NHS should cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it could take a long time to receive an assessment. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health clinicians are under a lot of pressure and resources are limited. In addition, it can be difficult to navigate the complexity of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done more quickly. This will include a medical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks, family history and the current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to gather additional information regarding your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily activities. To gain additional information, you could be asked to share your thoughts from people who are familiar with you, for example, your spouse, sibling, or your friend.
It's worth mentioning that people in England have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choice option. This can cut down on the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process for getting an NHS diagnosis is fairly simple. You'll need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for an assessment.
You'll be in a clinical interview with the doctor and they'll inquire about your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, as well as the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptoms checklists or request feedback from people who know you.
If your GP isn't willing to make an appointment for you to be assessed you should consider seeking an alternative GP particularly in the event that you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the road. There are some good tips on doing this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.