How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment, but it is important to follow the correct steps. Talk with your GP about the reasons you think you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should take you with respect and request that you fill out an instrument for screening.
You can also self-refer to a private health care provider for an ADHD assessment. This is a quicker option than the NHS.
1. Speak with your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still biases that make it difficult for people to diagnose. Some of these biases can include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys and people of certain backgrounds, and for those who do not fit the stereotype.
If your GP won't refer you for an examination, you need to look into a different one, particularly when the NHS is offering the Right to Choose medication referral. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide on this here.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms and questionnaires. You may be asked to give details about your family background and the way your symptoms affect your life. They will also inquire if you have any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you
In England the UK, GPs can recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists using the "Right to Choose" process. This lets you access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have a open and honest discussions with you regarding the reason you think you might have ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that are affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your GP 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 require, including medication and CBT therapy. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Once you receive a private diagnosis from your physician, they will ask your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a limiting condition. It can be challenging to keep up in school at work, or in relationships. It can also impact your health and cause a range of other mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment through the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your assessment who will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history. Bring documents such as performance evaluations and copies of your previous psychological tests. They might want to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. Then they will decide whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They might suggest you consider the possibility of medication. They'll also discuss ongoing care, which could be continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP to share management.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
It is a lengthy process to get an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in an area where there are not many service providers. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will speak to you about how your issues affect you, and will use questionnaires to assess 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 describe your behaviours. This will give you an insight into your personality that isn't possible with a questionnaire.
After receiving your diagnosis, the doctor will send a report to your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement' they'll make arrangements for you to begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. This can take some time and the NHS is under strain, and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can be a great relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your own symptoms are a result of a neurological condition and not due to a personal flaw and can help reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect data from a questionnaire or an interview with your family members, teachers, and others who know you well. They will then create a report of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will receive 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 is quicker and less expensive than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. However, you will be paying for the assessment yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, it's worth asking your GP to refer you for an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be helpful in determining whether medication will be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process consists of an interview with a psychiatrist assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and developmental background. Family members and other individuals who know you well could be interviewed as well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (such as school, home, and work) and cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by another mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically made by psychiatrists. A private examination is the same process. However, cheapest adhd assessment uk will also look for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to talk to an Psychologist to obtain an assessment and diagnosis in case you decide to take medication. You will be asked to complete an inventory of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also look into whether your symptoms have been present since the time you were a child.
Your GP is likely to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. In addition adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to select their own mental health provider and may choose to have private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview conducted by psychiatrists, as well as questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as scales for rating behavior. The input of family members or others who know you well could be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think that your child is suffering from ADHD or have concerns about their behaviour, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS for an evaluation.
The NHS in England, Wales and 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 the system known as 'Right to Choose which means that you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your medical treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find a company that qualify for this. Many patients prefer having their tests or treatments done in private. If you do, your clinician will need to provide your GP with paperwork for an Shared Care Agreement. You will pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS will cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an Child Psychiatrist
In the NHS it could take a long time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health professionals are under a lot of pressure, and resources are limited. It can also be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done quicker. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks as well as family history and your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to gather information about your symptoms and how they affect your everyday functioning. People who know you well, like siblings, spouses, or a close friend, can be collected to gain additional insight.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right of Choice route. This could reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you're interested in getting an assessment through the NHS procedure, it's fairly straightforward. You'll need to make an appointment with your GP for an appointment with an ADHD specialist and then wait to be assessed.
You will have a clinical consultation with a specialist. They will ask you about your medical history along with developmental milestones, your family history as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You may also be asked to complete symptom checklists and ask for input from people who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to make an appointment for you to be assessed It's a good idea to find a new GP particularly if you plan on applying for a 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 contact private assessment providers directly.