How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a challenge however it's essential to follow the correct steps. Talk to your GP about the reason you believe you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should take you seriously and request you to fill out the screening tool.
You can also self-refer to a private healthcare provider to receive an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster route than using the NHS.
1. Speak with your doctor
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still biases that make it difficult for people to get diagnosed. This could include the belief that ADHD only affects males, those from certain backgrounds, or those who don't conform to the stereotype of a person with ADHD.
If your GP refuses to refer you for an assessment, you should taking a look at a different one, especially if you intend to take advantage of the Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide on this here.
what is an adhd assessment involves the conduct of a series of discussions with the psychiatrist about your symptoms and also questionnaires and ratings. You may be asked to give details about your family history and the way your symptoms affect you. They will also check if you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. Request your GP for a referral
In England, GPs are able to send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist using the 'Right to Choose process. This allows you to access the NHS faster and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about other mental health issues that affect your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and input from the people who know you best. A diagnosis will aid you in getting the support you require, which includes medication and CBT therapy. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. If you've received a private diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared Care Contract'.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or even relationships. It can also impact your health and trigger a range of other mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD tests through an assessment process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have as an English citizen.
You'll meet a psychiatrist at your appointment. They will ask you about your symptoms and your family history. Bring documentation like performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological tests. They may also want to speak with your parents or other people who know you well. They will decide whether they are able to determine that you have ADHD. They may suggest you consider the possibility of medication. They'll also talk about ongoing care, which could be continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP to share management.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a long one especially if you reside in an area where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will talk with 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 or sibling, or parents for adults) to describe your behavior. This could give you an insight into your personality that cannot be found from questionnaires.
After receiving your diagnosis, the doctor will provide 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 includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. This could take some time because the NHS is under enormous pressure and has a finite amount of resources.
5. Ask what is an adhd assessment for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a major relief. It will help you realize that your your child's symptoms are caused by an illness of the brain and not a personal failing, reducing feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will take details from a questionnaire or through interviews with your teachers, family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then compile an account of their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be provided with a treatment plan that may 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 less expensive and faster than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you will be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you or your child believes they may have ADHD. A clinical diagnosis will help you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be useful in determining whether medication will be beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to identify and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of medical and developmental history and questionnaires. Family members and other individuals who know you may be questioned as well.
Children and adults must exhibit symptoms in multiple settings, like school at home, work and school and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be explained by another mental illness, like anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the one who makes the diagnosis. A private assessment will involve the same process, however the specialist will also look for any comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
If you want to try medication, then you will have to consult a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will require you to complete a checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since the time you were a child.
If your GP agrees that you need ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. In addition, adults in England now have the legal right to choose their own mental health provider and may choose to have private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview with a specialist psychiatrist as well as questionnaires, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. Family members or others who know you well could be sought as well.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think that your child is suffering from ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour It is essential to speak to your GP. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS to conduct an evaluation.
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 called 'Right to Choose' which means that you have a legal right to choose the place where you receive your care and assessments. It isn't easy to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many people opt to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you decide to do this your doctor will write to your GP and then provide documentation for a Shared-Care agreement. You will pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS should provide CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
It can take some time to receive an evaluation from the NHS. The NHS mental health clinicians work under immense pressure, and the resources are limited. It can be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be completed much faster. 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 your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to collect information about your symptoms and how they affect your everyday functioning. For additional information, you could be asked to provide input from those who are familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling, or friend.
It's worth mentioning that people in England have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments through the 'Right of Choice route. This could reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you want to get an assessment through the NHS, the process is relatively simple. You'll need to request your GP for a referral to 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 background along with developmental milestones, family history as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to fill out symptoms checklists and request input from people who know you well.
If your GP refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed you should consider seeking another GP particularly if you plan on applying for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the road. Psychiatry UK has some helpful tips for you. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.