How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It isn't easy to obtain an ADHD assessment however it is essential to follow the correct steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP will take you seriously and ask to fill out an instrument for screening.
You can also opt to self-refer to a private medical professional for an ADHD assessment. This option is much quicker than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still biases that can make it more difficult for people to be diagnosed. This could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people from certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP is unable to refer you for an assessment, you should taking a look at a different one, especially if you intend to seek the Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide about this here.
A typical ADHD assessment involves a series sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms, as well as questionnaires. You might also be asked about your family history and the impact your symptoms have on you. They will also ask if you have other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to a
In England, doctors can refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist through the 'Right of Choice route. This allows you to access the NHS faster and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and engage in a a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reason you think you may be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis can help provide you with the help you require, which includes medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that must be prescribed by specialists. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your doctor they will request your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatrist.
ADHD can be a limiting condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with work, school or relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment using a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
After your examination you'll be able to meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. Bring records such as performance evaluations and copies of any previous psychological tests. It is also possible to speak to your parents or other individuals who know you well. They will then decide whether they can identify you as having ADHD. They might suggest that you investigate treatment options. They'll also discuss ongoing treatment options, which could include continuing private treatment or sent 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 obtain an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in a region in which there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist who does the assessment will talk with you about how your problems affect you, and will utilize questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms. They may ask you to describe your behaviour or ask someone who is familiar with you like your spouse, sibling or parents if you are an adult. This will give you personal insights that are not possible with the help of a questionnaire.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the doctor will send a report to your GP. If your doctor accepts an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement and they'll help you begin treatment via the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It can take a while as the NHS is under pressure and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can provide great relief. It can help you understand that the symptoms of your child or you aren't caused by a personal failure, but a neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will take details from a survey or interview with your family, teachers and other individuals who know you well. The psychiatrist will then create an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. You will then be offered an appropriate treatment plan that could include a CBT or medication.
Adults in England are also able to be directed to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This is less expensive and faster than waiting for an NHS referral. You'll have to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to 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 also be helpful to determine if medication could be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and development background. Interviews may be conducted with family members and others who are familiar with you.
Adults and children have to show symptoms in more than one contexts, including school, home and work and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behavior is not explained by another mental illness 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 look for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
If you want to try treatment, you will have to consult a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. You will be asked to fill out an inventory of ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
Your GP is likely to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they believe you require an ADHD assessment. Alternately adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to choose their own mental health care provider and may choose to have private assessments without a GP referral letter.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview conducted by psychiatrists and questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as scales for rating behavior. Input from family members or others who know you well could be sought as well.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you believe that your child is suffering from ADHD or have concerns about their behaviour, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for 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 has a system known as 'Right To Choose', which means that you have the legal right to select the place where you receive your care and evaluations. However, it can be difficult to find organisations that qualify for this. Many people choose to have their examinations or treatments performed privately. If you decide to do this your doctor will write to your GP and then provide documentation for a Shared-Care agreement. You will pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
It can take some time to receive an evaluation from the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health clinicians are under immense pressure and have limited resources. It can also be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks, family history and your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires are also used to gather information about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, for example siblings, spouses, or friend, may also be gathered to provide additional information.
It's important to note that in England, people have the legal right to choose their provider of NHS assessments by following the "Right to Choose" option. 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 ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and then wait for the assessment.
You'll have a clinical interview with the doctor and they'll inquire about your medical history as well as developmental milestones, family history, and specific symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to fill out symptoms checklists or request feedback from those who know you.
If cheapest adhd assessment uk refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed you should consider seeking another GP particularly when you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the road. There are some useful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.