How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Achieving an ADHD assessment can be a challenge, but it's important to ensure you follow the right steps. Talk with your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be able to take you seriously and ask you to fill in a screening tool.
You can also opt to go directly to a private medical professional to get an ADHD assessment. This option is much quicker than using the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
In the UK, there is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, some prejudices can make it difficult for people to recognize the symptoms. This could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people with certain backgrounds, or who don't fit the stereotype of someone with ADHD.
If your GP does not recommend an evaluation, you should think about finding a different doctor, especially in the event that the NHS is offering the Right to Choose medication referral. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide about this here.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You might also be asked about your family history and the effects your symptoms can have on you. They will also ask if you have other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you
In England, GPs are able to send 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 waiting times.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and engage in a an open and honest discussion with you regarding the reason you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues impacting your life.
If your doctor decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they should follow NICE guidelines. They will conduct an interview and questionnaires assessing your symptoms as well as your family history and information from those who know you well. A diagnosis will aid you in getting the support you require, including medication and CBT therapy. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified physician. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can be challenging to keep up with school, at work or with relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD evaluations through a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights you have as an English citizen.
After your examination you'll be able to meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and your family history. Bring records like performance evaluations and copies of any previous psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. Then, they will determine whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They might suggest that you look into the possibility of medication. They may also suggest ongoing care, which might include private treatment or a referral back to your GP.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be a long one, especially if you live in a location where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms, and then talk to you about your problems. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse siblings, parents or sibling for adults) to describe your behaviours. This could give you the kind of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
The specialist will then send an assessment to your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement' and they'll help you begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This may take time, as the NHS is under immense pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide big relief. It will help you realize that the symptoms of your child or you aren't caused by an individual failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members and other individuals who know you well. They will then put together a report of their findings and any possible diagnosis. Then, you will be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that could include medication or CBT therapy.
If you are an adult in England, you can also opt to be recommended by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to an individual clinic. This can be quicker and cheaper than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. However, you will be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP for a referral in the event that you or your child believes they may have ADHD. A clinical diagnosis will help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be helpful for establishing whether medication would be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist exam, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental background. Interviews can also be conducted with family members or others who know you well.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings (such as home, school and at work) and cause impairment. The behavior can't be explained by a different mental health problem such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the one to make the diagnosis. A private assessment involves the same procedure. However, the specialist will also check for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
You'll need to talk to a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and assessment if you wish to try treatment. They will ask you to complete the checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also assess whether your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
If your doctor agrees with you that you require ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. In addition adults in England have the legal right to select their own mental health care provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview conducted by psychiatrist specialists as well as questionnaires, such as symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating. You may also be asked to share your thoughts from family members or other people who are familiar with you.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
It is essential to talk to your GP If you think your child might have ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with the NHS.
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 you have the legal right to decide where you receive your medical treatment and assessments. It isn't easy to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many patients prefer having their assessments or treatment done in private. If you decide to do this, your clinician must write to your GP and provide paperwork for a Shared-Care agreement. This means that you'll pay for your medication privately, however the NHS will provide CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
In the NHS it could take a long time to receive an assessment. online adhd assessment work under immense pressure, and resources are not abundant. It can also be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much quicker. It will include a medical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, and your current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires will be used to gather additional information regarding your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily functioning. To gain more information, you could be asked to share your thoughts from those who are familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling or your friend.
It is important to note that those in England have a legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose option. This could reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis from the NHS procedure, it's fairly straightforward. You'll need to ask your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist and wait for the appointment to be evaluated.
You will have a clinical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical background, developmental milestones and family history, as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms or seek feedback from those who are familiar with you.
If your GP isn't willing to refer you for an assessment It's a good idea to find a new GP particularly when you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the line. Psychiatry UK offers some useful advice for you. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.