How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment However, it is crucial that you follow the correct steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be able to take you seriously and request you to fill out an assessment tool.
You can also self-refer to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This is a quicker option than the NHS.
1. Talk to your doctor
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still some biases that make it difficult for people to diagnose. These include the notion that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people with certain backgrounds, or those who don't conform to the stereotype of someone with ADHD.
If your GP does not recommend an evaluation, you should think about finding a different doctor, especially if the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide about this here.
A typical ADHD evaluation consists of meetings with a psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and questionnaires. You may also be asked about your family history, and what effects your symptoms can have on you. They will also check if you have any other health issues.
2. Request your GP for an appointment
In England, GPs are able to refer adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This will allow you to access the NHS quicker and decrease the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have open and honest discussions with you about the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss other mental health issues affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. These include an interview, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms and family history, as well as feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis can help receive the support you require, including medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that must be prescribed by specialists. Once you receive a private diagnosis from your clinician they will request your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can be challenging to keep up with school, at work or with relationships. It can also impact your health and lead to other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD tests through the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
In your evaluation you'll be able to meet with a psychiatrist who will ask about your symptoms and family history. Bring documents such as performance evaluations and copies of any previous psychological tests. They may want to speak to your parents or other people who know you well. Then, they will determine whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend you consider the possibility of medication. They may also suggest ongoing care, which could include private treatment or a discharge back to your GP.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be long, especially if you live in an area that has a limited number of providers. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will talk to you about how your symptoms affect you, and will use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse siblings, parents or sibling for adults) to describe your behavior. This can provide a level of personal insight that cannot be found from questionnaires.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the doctor will provide a report to your GP. If your doctor accepts an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement and they'll help you begin treatment through the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while - the NHS is under pressure, and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a huge relief. It can help you realize that the symptoms of your child or you are not caused by personal shortcomings or an underlying neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect data from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members as well as teachers and other people who know you very well. The psychiatrist will then write an account of 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 decide to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This is less expensive and faster than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you'll be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you for an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in determining whether medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines for how to evaluate and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatric exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental background. adhd online assessment and others who know you well may be questioned too.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (such as school, home, and work) and cause impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by another mental health problem such as depression or anxiety. A psychiatrist is usually the one to make the diagnosis. A private examination is a similar process. However, the doctor will also look for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
You'll need to speak with an Psychologist to obtain a diagnosis and assessment if you wish to try treatment. You will be asked to complete a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present ever since you were a kid.
Your GP is likely to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they believe you require an ADHD assessment. Adults in England can now choose their own mental health provider, and opt for private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a medical interview conducted by a psychiatrist specialist and questionnaires including symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating. The input of family members or other people who know you well could be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It's important that you speak to your GP If you think your child may be suffering from ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment through 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 choose where you receive your treatment and tests. However, it can be difficult to find organisations that are eligible for this. Many people prefer to have their assessments or treatment done privately. If you decide to do so then, your doctor will need to send a letter to your GP with paperwork for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. You will be paying for your medication privately, and the NHS will be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
In the NHS it can take a long time to receive an assessment. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health professionals are under lots 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 quicker. This will include a clinical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones as well as family history and current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to determine the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. For additional insight, you may be asked to give input from those who are familiar with you, for example, your spouse, sibling or your friend.
It is important to know that in England, people have the legal right of choosing their provider of NHS assessments by following the "Right to Choose" route. This can cut down on waiting times.
10. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is fairly simple. You'll have to make an appointment with your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for an evaluation.
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 particular symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms or seek feedback from people who are familiar with you.
If your GP isn't willing to refer you for an assessment It's a good idea to find another GP particularly when you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the line. There are some helpful tips on doing this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.