How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a challenge, but it's important to adhere to the correct procedures. Talk with your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP must take your concerns seriously and request you to fill out an assessment tool.
You can also self-refer to a private medical professional to get an ADHD assessment. This route can be much quicker than using the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
In the UK, there is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, certain beliefs can make it difficult for people to recognize the symptoms. One of these biases could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys or people from certain backgrounds, and for those who do not fit the stereotype.
If your GP is unable to refer you for an assessment, it's worth looking for a different one - especially if you intend to pursue the Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide about this here.
An ADHD assessment usually involves a series of conversations with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and also questionnaires and ratings. You might also be asked about your family history and what effects your symptoms can have on you. They will also inquire if you have other health issues.
2. Request your GP for an appointment
In England, GPs can send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right to choose' pathway. This lets you access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and engage in a a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that may be impacting your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an evaluation, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from the people who know you best. A diagnosis can provide you with the help you need, including treatment with medication and CBT. The medications for ADHD are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating disorder. It can make it hard to keep up with school, work or even relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to other mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessments through an assessment process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
You'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your appointment who will inquire you about your symptoms as well as your family history. It's helpful to bring records like performance evaluations or copies from previous psychological test results. They may want to speak to your parents or others who know you well. They will then decide whether they can diagnose you with ADHD. They may recommend that you look into medications. They'll also discuss ongoing care options, which could be ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP for shared management.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
It is a lengthy process to receive an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in a region in which there aren't many service providers. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct the assessment will talk with you about how your symptoms affect you, and use questionnaires to assess the severity of your symptoms. They might ask you to describe your behavior or seek out someone who is familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling, or parents if you are an adult. This could give you personal insight that is not possible through a questionnaire.
After receiving your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report to your GP. If your GP agrees to a 'Shared care agreement' they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. It could take a while and the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can provide wonderful relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are not due to an individual failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will take details from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members, and other people who know you well. They will then compile an account of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will receive a treatment plan that may include CBT or medication.
If you are an adult in England, you can also choose to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to private clinics. This can be cheaper and faster 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 suspect you or your child has ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in knowing if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines on how to identify and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatric exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and development background. Interviews may also be conducted with family members or other people who know you well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (such as home, school, and work) and result in impairment. The behavior can't be explained by a different mental health issue such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically made by psychiatrists. A private assessment involves a similar process. However, the specialist will also test for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
You'll need to talk to an Psychologist to obtain an assessment and diagnosis in case you decide to take 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 should be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Alternately, 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.
psych assessment for adhd includes a clinical interview conducted by a psychiatrist specialist, as well as questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as scales for rating behavior. You might also be asked to provide input from relatives or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you believe that your child is suffering from ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour it is important to talk to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS for an evaluation.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network Guidelines (SIGN) are followed.
The NHS in England also has an option called 'Right To Choose which means that you have the legal right to decide where you receive your medical treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find organisations that are eligible for this. Many people opt to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you choose to do this, your clinician will need to write to your GP with paperwork for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll pay for your medication privately, however the NHS should be able to cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an 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 clinicians are under a lot of pressure and have limited resources. It can be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will cover your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, and your current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to gather additional details regarding your symptoms, including their impact on your daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, like siblings, spouses, or a friend, could be gathered for additional insights.
It is important to remember that in England, people have the legal right to select their provider of NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" route. This could reduce the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
The process for getting an NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You'll need to ask your GP for the 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, developmental milestones and your family history as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to fill out 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, it's worth seeking another GP particularly when you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the line. There are some good guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.