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. Begin by talking to your GP and explain why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take you with seriousness and insist to fill in an assessment instrument.
Alternatively, you can choose 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 doctor
In the UK There is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, some beliefs can make it difficult to diagnose people. One of these biases could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males and people of certain backgrounds, and those who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP refuses to recommend you for an assessment, it's worth considering finding another one - especially if you want to pursue a Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide to this here.
An ADHD assessment typically involves a series of conversations with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and also questionnaires and scores. You might be asked to give details about your family history and the way your symptoms affect your life. They will also check whether you have any other health issues.
2. Request your GP for a referral
In England, GPs are able to refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist using the 'Right to Choose process. This allows you to access the NHS faster and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion about why you think you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that affect 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 the people who know you best. A diagnosis can provide you with the help you require, which includes treatment with medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking for a prescription 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 and at work, as well as in relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to a range of other mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment using an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights that you have as a citizen of England.
At your assessment you'll see an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. It is helpful to bring records like performance evaluations or copies from previous results of psychological tests. It is also possible to speak to your parents or other individuals who know you well. They will then decide whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you consider medications. They'll also talk about ongoing care, which could be continued private treatment or discharged back to your GP to share management.
4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be long, especially if you live in a place that has a limited number of providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms and speak with you about your issues. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This could give you personal insights that are not possible through a 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 make arrangements for you to begin treatment through the NHS. This includes 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 an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a major relief. It can help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms aren't caused by a personal failure or a neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or an interview with your family members, teachers, and others who know you well. They will then put together an account of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will then be provided with an treatment plan that 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 quicker and more affordable than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. You'll have to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for you or your child if he believes they may have ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you make reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is helpful in determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines for how to evaluate and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and development background. Family members and other people who know you well may be interviewed as well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (such as school, home, and 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 will involve a similar process, but the specialist will also look for any comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
If you are considering treatment, you will require a consultation with a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will request you to fill out an inventory 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.
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. Adults in England are now able to choose their own mental healthcare provider, and can choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview conducted by a psychiatrist specialist, as well as questionnaires including symptom checklists and behavior rating scales. Input from family members or others who know you well could be sought as well.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
It's important that you speak to your GP if you suspect your child may have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS for an assessment.
The NHS in England and Wales and 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 that you have the legal right to choose where you get your medical treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find organizations that are eligible for this. Many patients prefer to receive their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you choose this option your doctor will write to your GP and then provide documentation for a Shared-Care agreement. I Am Psychiatry means that you'll pay for medications privately, however the NHS should provide CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
It may take some time to get an evaluation in the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health clinicians are under lots of pressure and resources are limited. It can also be difficult to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much faster. It includes a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and the current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires are used to gather additional details about your symptoms, including their impact on your daily activities. Information from those who know you well, like a spouse, sibling, or a close friend, can be gathered to provide additional information.
It's worth mentioning that people in England have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments through the 'Right to Choice route. This could reduce wait 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 quite simple. You'll have to make an appointment with your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait for an evaluation.
You will attend a medical consultation with an expert. They will inquire about your medical history, developmental milestones and family history as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You may also be asked to complete symptoms checklists and request input from people who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to make an appointment for you to be assessed, it's worth seeking a new GP particularly if you plan on applying for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the line. There are some helpful guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.