How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult however it's essential to make sure you follow the right steps. First, speak to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take you with respect and request to fill out an assessment instrument.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private healthcare provider to receive an ADHD assessment. This is a faster option than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
In the UK, there is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, adhd assessments can make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. These can include the perception that ADHD only affects boys, people from certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP does not recommend an evaluation, you should look into a different one, particularly if the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. Here is add adhd assessment from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms and questionnaires. You may also be asked to provide details about your family background and how your symptoms affect your life. They will also inquire whether you have any other health issues.
2. You can ask your GP for a referral
In England, GPs may recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists using the "Right to Choose" route. This can allow you to access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reason you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss other mental health issues that affect your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and input from the people who know you best. A diagnosis will help to receive the support you require, which includes medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your physician they will request your GP to prescribe under an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for a referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with work, school or even relationships. It can also impact your health and lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD assessment using a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights that you enjoy as a citizen of England.
After your examination you'll be able to meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. Bring documentation like performance evaluations or copies of previous psychological tests. They might want to talk to your parents or others who are familiar with you. They will then decide if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend that you investigate treatment options. They'll also talk about ongoing treatment options, which could include continued private treatment or discharged back to your GP for shared management.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.
It can be a long process to receive an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in an area where there are not many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who does the assessment will talk with you about how your symptoms affect you, and will use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse or sibling, or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This will give you personal insights that are not possible with an online questionnaire.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the doctor will send a report to your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement', they'll arrange for you begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. This may take time due to the fact that the NHS is under tremendous pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can be a huge relief. It can help you understand that your or your child's symptoms are a result of an illness of the brain and not due to a personal flaw, reducing feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather data from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members, teachers, and others who are familiar with you. They will then create a report of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will then be provided with the treatment plan which could include CBT or medications.
Adults in England can also be sent to a private doctor by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be less expensive and quicker than waiting for an NHS referral. You'll need to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, it's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of the medical and developmental histories and questionnaires. Interviews can also be conducted with family members or others who know you well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (such as home, school, and work) and result in impairment. The behavior is not explained by a mental illness, like anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is usually performed by psychiatrists. A private examination is the same procedure. However, the specialist will also test for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
You will need to consult an Psychologist to obtain an assessment and diagnosis for if you want to try treatment. 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 you were a kid.
Your GP should be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they are of the opinion that you require an ADHD assessment. Alternately adults in England have the legal right to choose their own mental health care provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment includes a medical interview with a psychiatrist specialist, as well as questionnaires including symptom checklists and scales for rating behavior. The input of family members or anyone else who knows you well could be sought as well.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect that your child has 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 for an assessment by the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has an option called 'Right To Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your treatment and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that are qualified. Many people choose to have their examinations or treatments performed privately. If you decide to do so the latter, your physician will have to provide your GP with a form for a Shared Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS should provide CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
It can take some time to receive an evaluation from the NHS. The NHS mental health professionals are under immense stress, and resources are not abundant. It can be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It includes a clinical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history and current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires are used to gather additional details about your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily activities. People who know you well, like a spouse, sibling, or friend, may also be gathered to provide additional information.
It is important to know that in England individuals have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments by following the "Right to Choose" pathway. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process to get a NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You'll have to ask your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait for an evaluation.
You'll be in a clinical interview with the specialist and they'll inquire about your medical background, developmental milestones, family history, and the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to fill out symptoms checklists or request feedback from those who are familiar with you.
If your GP isn't willing to make an appointment for you to be assessed you should consider seeking a new GP especially if you plan on applying for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the line. There are some good tips on doing this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.