How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment can be a challenge, but it's important to make sure you adhere to the correct procedures. Talk with your GP about the reasons you think you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP must take you seriously and ask you to fill out a screening tool.
Alternatively, you can choose to go directly to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This option is much faster than the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still some biases that can make it harder for people to diagnose. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males and people of certain backgrounds, and those who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP does not want to refer you for an assessment, you should looking for a different one - especially if you want to pursue the Right to Choose referral for medications through the NHS. Here's a guide from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms, as well as questionnaires. You may be asked to give details about your family history and how your symptoms impact you. They will also check whether you have any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
In England, doctors can refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right to Choose process. This allows you to access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and engage in a an open and honest discussion with you regarding the reasons you think you might have ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues 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, questionnaires, and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis will help you get the support you need, including medication and CBT therapy. ADHD medications are stimulants that should only be prescribed by a specialist. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your doctor 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 limiting condition. It can be difficult to keep up with school and at work, as well as in relationships. It can also affect your health and cause various mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD evaluations through a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
After your examination, you'll meet with psychiatrists who will inquire about your symptoms and your family history. It's helpful to bring records like performance evaluations or copies from previous results of psychological tests. They may want to speak to your parents or other people who are familiar with you. They will decide whether they can diagnose you with ADHD. They may recommend that you investigate medication options. They will also discuss ongoing care, which could include private treatment or discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be long especially if you reside in a location where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to assess the severity of your symptoms and talk with you about your concerns. 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 an insight into your personality that cannot be found from questionnaires.
After receiving your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report to your GP. If your GP accepts the "Shared Care" agreement, they'll arrange for you to start treatment on the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while as 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 major relief. It can help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms aren't caused by personal shortcomings or an underlying neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members and other individuals who know you well. They will then compile an account of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will then be offered a treatment plan, which could include medication or CBT therapy.
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 faster than waiting for an NHS referral. You'll have to pay for the examination.
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 to an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in knowing if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The procedure involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of the medical and developmental histories as well as questionnaires. Family members and other people who know you well may be questioned as well.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings (such as school, home, and work) and result in impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by another mental illness, like depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually done by psychiatrists. A private evaluation is the same procedure. However, the specialist will also test for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
If you want to try treatment, you will require a consultation with a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will require you to complete a checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also look into whether 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 may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Alternatively adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to choose their own mental health care provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment includes a medical interview with a psychiatrist specialist and questionnaires including symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating. The input of family members or others who know you well could be sought 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 might have ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has the system known as 'Right to Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose where you get your treatment and assessment. It isn't easy to find organizations that are qualified. Many individuals choose to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you decide to do this your doctor will write to your GP and provide paperwork to sign a Shared-Care Contract. You will have to pay for your medication privately, while the NHS will cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
It may take a while to receive an evaluation in the NHS. This is because NHS mental health professionals are under a lot of pressure and resources are limited. In addition it can be a challenge to navigate the complexities of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done much faster. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. adhd assessments near me will include your medical history, developmental milestones as well as family history and current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to collect additional data about your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily life. Input from people who know you well, such as a spouse, sibling, or a friend, could be collected to gain additional insight.
It is important to remember that in England citizens have the legal right of choosing their preferred provider for NHS assessments by following the "Right to Choose" route. This can cut down on 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 have to make an appointment with your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait to be evaluated.
You'll have a clinical interview with the specialist, and they'll ask you about your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to fill out the checklist of symptoms or seek feedback from people who are familiar with your condition.
If your GP isn't willing to make an appointment for you to be assessed you should consider seeking an alternative GP, especially if you plan on applying for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the line. Psychiatry UK has some helpful tips for you. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.