How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD assessment, but it is important to follow the correct steps. First, talk to your GP and explain the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP must take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill out an assessment tool.
You can also opt to go directly to a private health provider for an ADHD assessment. This route can be much more efficient than the NHS.
1. Talk with your doctor
In the UK There is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, certain biases can make it difficult for people to recognize the symptoms. This could include the belief that ADHD only affects boys, people from certain backgrounds, or who don't fit the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP won't refer you for an assessment, you should look into a different one, particularly when the NHS is offering a Right to Choose medication referral. Here is a guide from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
An ADHD evaluation typically consists of the conduct of a series of discussions with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and also questionnaires and scores. You may also be asked about your family history and the effects your symptoms can have on you. They will also inquire if you have other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you
In England, doctors can send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right of Choice route. how to get an adhd assessment uk lets you access the NHS faster and can reduce waiting times.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and have a candid and frank discussion with you about why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues impacting your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an evaluation, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview and questionnaires that assess your symptoms as well as your family history and input from others who know you well. A diagnosis will provide you with the help you need, including CBT therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a specialist physician. After you have received a private diagnosis from your doctor and they ask your GP to prescribe under an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with work, school or social relationships. It can also impact your health and lead to various mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment using the process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you enjoy as a citizen of England.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your assessment who will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. Bring documentation such as performance evaluations and copies of your previous psychological tests. They may want to speak to your parents or anyone else who know you well. Then, they will determine whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They might suggest you consider medication options. They'll also talk about ongoing treatment options, which could include continued private treatment or discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
It is a lengthy process to obtain an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in a region where there are not many services. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms and talk with you about your issues. They might ask you to describe your behavior or ask someone who is familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling, or parents if you're an adult. This will give you personal insight that is not possible through a questionnaire.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement', they will arrange for you to begin treatment on the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. This could take some time, as the NHS is under enormous pressure and has a finite amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a wonderful relief. It will help you realize that your your child's symptoms are due to a neurological condition and not due to a personal flaw and can help reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or a conversation with your family members as well as teachers and other people who know you very well. They will then put together an account of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will then be offered a treatment plan, which could include a CBT or medication.
Adults in England can also be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be less expensive and faster than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you will be paying for the assessment yourself.
6. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP for a referral for you or your child if he suspects they are suffering from ADHD. A clinical diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is also helpful in determining whether medication will be 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. Family members and other people who know you well could be questioned too.
Children and adults must exhibit symptoms in multiple situations, such as school or at home and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is typically done by psychiatrists. A private assessment involves a similar process. However, the specialist will also check for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
You'll need to speak with an expert psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis in case you decide to take medications. They will ask you to complete an inventory of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
If your doctor agrees with you that you need ADHD assessment, they can refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Alternately adults in England have the legal right to choose their own mental health provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. You may also be asked to share your thoughts from family members or other people who know you well.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you suspect 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 be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an assessment through the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales, as well as 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 known as 'Right To Choose', which means that you have a legal right to choose the place where you receive your care and tests. However, it can be difficult to find organizations that meet the requirements for this. Many patients prefer to receive their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you choose to do this, your clinician will need to send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you pay for your medication privately, however the NHS should cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
It may take a while 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 limited. In addition it can be a challenge to navigate the complexity of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much quicker. It will include a medical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will include your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, as well as your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to collect information about your symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Input from people who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or a close friend, can be collected to gain additional insight.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have a legal right to choose the provider they use for NHS assessments through the 'Right of Choice option. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you want to get a diagnosis through the NHS the process is fairly straightforward. You will need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for the test.
You'll be able to have a consultation with a specialist and they'll inquire about your medical background, developmental milestones, family history, and particular symptoms you're experiencing. You might also be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms and seek opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP will not refer you to an assessment, it's recommended to find a different GP. This is especially relevant if you plan to apply for a Shared-Care agreement with the NHS in the near future to receive medication. There are some helpful guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.