How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment however it is essential that you follow the correct steps. First, speak to your GP and explain the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP must take you seriously and ask you to fill out the screening tool.
You can also opt to self-refer to a private medical professional for an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster route than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still a few prejudices that make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. This could include the belief that ADHD only affects males, those from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of a person with ADHD.
If your GP refuses to recommend you for an assessment, you should taking a look at a different one, especially if you want to take advantage of the Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Here's a guide from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
An ADHD assessment typically involves the conduct of a series of discussions with a psychiatrist about your symptoms and also questionnaires and ratings. You may be asked to give details about your family background and how your symptoms affect you. They will also check if you have any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you
In England, doctors can refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist using the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This lets you access the NHS faster and can reduce waiting times.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and have an open and honest discussion about the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that may be impacting your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. These include an interview, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms as well as your family history and information from those who know you well. A diagnosis will help to get you the support you need including medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that must be prescribed by specialists. 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 Contract'.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatrist.
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can be challenging to keep up in school and at work, as well as in relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment using an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
psychiatrist adhd assessment 'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your appointment who will inquire you about your symptoms and your family history. Bring records like performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or others who know you well. They will then decide if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you think about medication options. They will also discuss ongoing care, which could include private treatment or a referral back to your GP.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
It can be a long process to receive an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in an area where there aren't many services. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct the assessment will speak to you about how your problems affect you, and will utilize questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse siblings, parents or sibling for adults) to comment on your behavior. This could give you personal insight that is not possible with a questionnaire.
The specialist will then send an appointment to your GP. If your GP accepts the "Shared Care" agreement, they'll arrange for you to start treatment on the NHS. This includes prescription medications 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 evaluation can provide great relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your symptoms aren't caused by personal shortcomings or a neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of guilt, shame, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a questionnaire or interviews with your teachers, family members, and other people 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 CBT or medications.
Adults in England are also able to be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be cheaper and quicker than waiting for an NHS referral. You will have to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, it's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be useful in determining whether medication will be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of your medical and developmental history, and questionnaires. Interviews can be conducted with family members and others who know you well.
Adults or children must show symptoms in multiple situations, such as school or at home and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behavior can't be explained by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the person who makes the diagnosis. A private assessment involves a similar process. However, the doctor will also test for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to talk to an Psychologist to obtain a diagnosis and assessment if you wish to try medications. They will ask you to complete a checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since the time you were a child.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you need ADHD assessment, they can refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. In addition adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to choose their own mental health provider and may choose to have private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a medical interview with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. The input of 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
If you suspect that your child has ADHD or are concerned about their behavior, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an assessment by the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines to diagnose 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 the legal right to select which treatment and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that are qualified. Many people opt to have their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you decide to do so the latter, your physician will have to write to your GP with paperwork for a Shared Care Agreement. You will be paying for your medication privately, and the NHS will provide CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
It may take some time to get an evaluation in the NHS. The NHS mental health clinicians work under immense pressure, and resources are not abundant. It can be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done much faster. This will include a medical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and your current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires will be used to collect additional data regarding your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily life. People who know you well, for example your spouse, sibling or a friend, could be collected to gain additional insight.
It is important to know that in England individuals have the legal right to choose their provider of NHS assessments through the "Right to Choose" option. This can cut down on waiting times.
10. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You'll need to request your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist and wait for the appointment for an evaluation.
You will be scheduled for a clinical consultation with a specialist. They will ask you about your medical background along with developmental milestones, family history as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to complete symptom checklists or ask for feedback from people who are familiar with your condition.
If your GP refuses to recommend you for an assessment It's a good idea to find another GP, especially when you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the road. Psychiatry UK offers some useful tips for you. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.