How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment, but it is important to follow the correct steps. First, speak to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill in an assessment tool.
You can also self-refer to a private healthcare provider for an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still some biases that can make it more difficult for people to get diagnosed. These include the notion that ADHD only affects boys, people with certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP won't refer you for an assessment, you should think about finding a different doctor, especially if the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD evaluation consists of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms, as well as questionnaires. You may be asked to give details about your family history and how your symptoms affect your life. They will also ask whether you have any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you to a
In England, GPs may refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists using the "Right to Choose" process. This allows you to access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and engage in a open and honest discussions with you regarding the reasons you think you might have 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 evaluation, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires, and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis can provide you with the help you require, including CBT therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your clinician will write to your GP asking for a prescription under a 'Shared Care Contract'.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can be challenging to keep up in school at work, or in relationships. It can also impact your health and trigger various mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD assessments via a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights that you enjoy as an English citizen.
At your assessment, you'll meet with a psychiatrist who will ask about your symptoms and your family history. It can help to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies from previous psychological test results. They may also want to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. They will then decide whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you think about medications. They may also suggest ongoing care, which could include private treatment or a referral back to your GP.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service
It can be a lengthy process to obtain an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in a region in which there aren't many services. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk with you about how your symptoms affect you, and use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. They may ask you to describe your behavior or seek out someone who is familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling or parents if you're an adult. This can provide an insight into your personality that isn't available in questionnaires.
After receiving your diagnosis, the specialist 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 medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while and the NHS is under pressure, and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide big relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your symptoms are not due to an individual failure or a neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect information from a questionnaire or an interview with your family members, teachers, and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account of their findings and possible diagnoses. You will be given the treatment plan which could include CBT or medication.
If you are an adult in England, you can also opt to be recommended by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This can be quicker and less expensive than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. You will have to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you or your child thinks they are suffering from ADHD. A clinical diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines on how to identify and diagnose ADHD. how much does an adhd assessment cost involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of medical and developmental history as well as questionnaires. Family members and others who know you may be questioned as well.
Adults or children must show symptoms in multiple settings, like school, home and work and the symptoms lead to impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by a mental health problem like depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually performed by psychiatrists. A private evaluation is a similar process. However, the doctor will also look for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
If you're considering treatment, you will need to see a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. You will be asked to fill out 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.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you need ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Alternatively, adults in England now have the legal right to choose their own mental health healthcare provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview conducted by a psychiatrist specialist, as well as questionnaires, such as symptom checklists and scales for rating behavior. You may also be asked to give input from relatives or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP when you suspect that your child might have ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England has a system known as 'Right To Choose' which means that you have the legal right to select which treatment and tests. However, it can still be difficult to find a company that are eligible for this. Many people opt to have their examinations and treatments privately instead. If you choose this option, your clinician must write to your GP and then provide documentation to sign a Shared-Care Contract. You will be paying for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS should be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
In the NHS it can take some time to receive an assessment. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health specialists are under immense pressure and resources are limited. In addition it can be difficult to navigate the complexity of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. This will include a clinical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks, family history, and current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to collect information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. People who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or a friend, could be gathered for additional insights.
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' pathway. This can cut down on waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis through the NHS, the process is relatively simple. You'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for an assessment.
You'll be able to have a consultation with the specialist and they'll inquire about your medical background as well as developmental milestones, family history, and specific symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out 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 an alternative GP particularly in the event that you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the line. Psychiatry UK has some helpful suggestions for you. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.