How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Achieving an ADHD assessment can be a challenge however it's essential to ensure you follow the right steps. Talk with your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP must take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill out the screening tool.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private medical professional for an ADHD assessment. This is a faster route than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still a few prejudices that make it difficult for people to diagnose. One of these biases could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem that affects boys or people from certain backgrounds, and for those who do not fit the stereotype.
If your GP will not refer you to an assessment, you should think about finding a different doctor, especially if the NHS offers the Right to Choose medication referral. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide on this here.
An ADHD evaluation typically consists of an ongoing conversation with a psychiatrist about your symptoms and also questionnaires and scores. You may also be asked to provide information about your family background and how your symptoms affect your life. They will also check if you have any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you
In England, GPs are able to refer adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist using the 'Right to choose process. This allows you to access the NHS faster and can reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have 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 affecting your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they must follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from the people who know you best. A diagnosis will help to provide you with the help you need including medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a specialist physician. 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 difficult to keep up with your schoolwork and at work, as well as in relationships. It can also impact your health and cause a range of other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD evaluations through an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have as an English citizen.
You'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your appointment. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. Bring records such as performance evaluations and copies of your previous psychological tests. It is also possible to talk to your parents or other individuals who know you well. They will decide whether they are able to identify you as having ADHD. They may suggest that you investigate treatment options. They'll also discuss on-going care options, which could be ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
It can be a lengthy process to obtain an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in a region where there are not many services. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms, and then talk with you about your concerns. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This could give you personal insight that is not possible with a questionnaire.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the specialist will send a report to your GP. If your GP agrees to an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement and they'll help you start treatment through the NHS. this site will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This may take time because the NHS is under immense pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide big relief. It will help you realize that your or your child's symptoms are caused by an illness of the brain and not a personal failing, reducing feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a survey or interview with your family, teachers, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then compile an account of their findings and possible diagnoses. You will receive the treatment plan which could include medication or CBT.
Adults in England are also able to be directed to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be faster and cheaper than waiting for a referral from the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the examination yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for you or your child if he thinks they are suffering from ADHD. A clinical diagnosis will help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of the medical and developmental histories and questionnaires. Interviews may be conducted with family members and others who know you well.
Adults or children must show symptoms in multiple contexts, including school at home, work and school and the symptoms lead to impairment. The behavior cannot be caused by another mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the one who makes the diagnosis. A private evaluation will follow similar procedures, however the specialist will also assess for any comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to speak with an Psychologist to obtain a diagnosis and assessment in case you decide to take medications. They will require you to complete the checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
Your GP will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they believe you require an ADHD assessment. Adults in England can now select their own mental healthcare provider and choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview with psychiatrist specialists, as well as questionnaires including symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating. Input from family members or other people who know you well could be sought as well.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you believe that your child suffers from 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 to an assessment by the NHS.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they adhere to Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England has a system known as 'Right To Choose' which means that you have a legal right to select which treatment and assessments. However, it can still be difficult to find organisations that meet the requirements for this. Many people opt to have their assessments and treatment privately instead. If you opt for this option your doctor must write to your GP and then provide documentation to sign a Shared-Care Contract. You will have to pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS will be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
It may take a while to get an evaluation in the NHS. The NHS mental health professionals are under great pressure, and resources are limited. Additionally it can be a challenge to navigate the maze of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done much faster. This will include a clinical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history as well as developmental milestones, family history, and current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires are used to collect additional data regarding your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily life. To gain more insight, you may be asked to share your thoughts from people who know you, for example, your spouse, sibling or friend.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have a legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments through the 'Right of Choice route. This could reduce the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is relatively easy. You'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and then wait for the assessment.
You will attend a medical consultation with a specialist. They will ask you about your medical background, developmental milestones and family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptom checklists and ask for feedback from people who know you well.
If your GP refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed, it's worth seeking a new GP particularly in the event that you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on in the future. Psychiatry UK offers some useful advice for you. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.