How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD assessment however it is essential to follow the correct steps. First, talk to your GP and explain why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be able to take seriously and ask you to fill in the screening tool.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This option is much quicker than using 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 more difficult for people to get diagnosed. These include the notion that ADHD is only a problem for males, those from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of a person with ADHD.
If your GP refuses to recommend you for an assessment, you should considering finding another one - especially if you intend to pursue a Right to Choose referral for medications through the NHS. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD evaluation consists of conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You may be asked to give details about your family history and how your symptoms affect you. They will also inquire whether you have any other health problems.
2. Ask your GP for an appointment
In England, doctors can refer adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right to Choose process. This can allow you to access the NHS faster and cut down the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have a open and honest discussions with you regarding the reason you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues affecting your life.
If your doctor 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 help receive the support you require, including medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a specialist clinician. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking for a prescription under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
ADHD can be a limiting condition. It can be challenging to keep up with your schoolwork, at work or with relationships. It can also affect your health and cause various mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD assessments through an assessment process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you enjoy as a citizen of England.
After your examination you'll be able to meet with psychiatrists who will inquire about your symptoms and your family history. It can help to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological test results. They may also want to talk to your parents or anyone else who know you well. Then, they will determine whether you're diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend you consider medication options. They will also discuss ongoing care, which could include private treatment or a discharge back to your GP.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
It can be a lengthy process to get an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in a region in which there aren't many service providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to assess the severity of your symptoms and talk with you about your issues. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to describe your behaviours. This could give you a level of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report to your GP. If your doctor agrees to the "Shared Care" agreement, they will arrange for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. It could take a while 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 evaluation can provide wonderful relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are a result of an illness of the brain and not a personal failing and reduce the feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account of their findings and possible diagnoses. Then, you will be provided with a treatment plan, which could include medication or CBT therapy.
Adults in England are also able to be sent to a private doctor by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be faster and less expensive than waiting for a referral from the NHS. However, you will be paying for the assessment yourself.
6. Ask great post to read to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you think you or your child have ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for knowing if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatric exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and development history. Interviews may also be conducted with family members and others who know you well.
Adults and children have to show symptoms in two or more settings, like school or at home and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by another mental illness such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically made by a psychiatrist. A private examination is a similar process. However, the doctor will also look for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
If you're considering medication, then you will have to consult a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will request you to fill out the checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also look into whether your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Adults in England can now select their own mental healthcare provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview with a psychiatrist specialist as well as questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as scales for rating behavior. You may also be asked to provide input from family members or other people who are familiar with you.
8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you believe that your child suffers from ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour it is important to talk to your GP. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with the NHS.
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 has a system known as 'Right To Choose' which means that you have the legal right to choose which treatment and assessments. It isn't easy to find organizations that qualify. Many patients prefer having their tests or treatments done privately. If you do, your clinician will need to write to your GP with a form for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll pay for medications privately, however the NHS will be able to cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
It may take some time to get an evaluation in the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health specialists are under lots of pressure and resources are scarce. In addition, it can be difficult to navigate the complexity 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. This will include your medical history as well as developmental milestones, family history, and your current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to gather additional details about your symptoms, as well as their impact on your daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, for example your spouse, sibling or friend, may also be collected to gain additional insight.
It is important to note that those in England have the legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments by following the 'Right of Choice route. This could reduce wait times.
10. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process to get a NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and then wait for the test.
You will attend a medical consultation with a specialist. They will ask you about your medical history along with developmental milestones, family history, as in addition to the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to fill out symptoms checklists and request opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to refer you for an assessment you should consider seeking a new GP, especially if you plan on applying for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the road. Psychiatry UK offers some useful suggestions for you. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.