How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however, it's crucial to make sure you follow the right steps. Begin by talking to your GP and explain why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be able to take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill in a screening tool.
You can also opt to go directly to a private medical professional to get an ADHD assessment. This route can be 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 for people to be diagnosed. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males, people with particular backgrounds, or who don't fit the stereotype.
If your GP won't refer you for an examination, you need to consider finding another - especially when the NHS is offering a Right to Choose medication referral. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
An ADHD assessment typically involves the conduct of a series of discussions with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms as well as questionnaires and scores. You may also be asked about your family history and the impacts your symptoms may have on you. They will also inquire whether you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you
In England, doctors can send adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist using the 'Right to choose' pathway. This lets you access the NHS faster and can reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and have a candid and open discussion with you about the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues that may be 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 and family history, as well as information from those who know you well. A diagnosis can aid you in getting the support you need, including CBT therapy and medication. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by specialists. If you've received a private diagnosis, your clinician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared Care Contract'.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a limiting condition. It can make it hard to keep up with school, work or social relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD tests through a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have as an English citizen.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your appointment who will inquire you about your symptoms and your family history. It is helpful to bring records like performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological test results. They might want to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. Then they will decide whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you think about medications. They will also discuss ongoing care, which could include private treatment or discharge back to your GP.
4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can be a long one especially if you reside in a location where there aren't many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to assess the severity of your symptoms, and then talk with you about your issues. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to describe your behavior. This can give you a personal insight that is not possible with an online questionnaire.
The specialist will then send an assessment to your GP. If your doctor agrees to the "Shared Care" agreement, they will arrange for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while as the NHS is under pressure and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can provide huge relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are a result of an illness that affects the brain, not a result of a personal failure and reduce the 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. adhd assessment price 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.
If you are an adult in England you may also opt to be directed by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to private clinics. This is less expensive and faster than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you'll be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, it's worth asking your GP to refer you for an assessment. A clinical diagnosis will help you make reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is also helpful in determining whether medication will be beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with psychiatrists, a review of the medical and developmental histories and questionnaires. Interviews can also be conducted with family members or other people who know you well.
Children and adults must exhibit symptoms in two or more situations, such as school or at home and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be explained by another mental illness, like depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually performed by a psychiatrist. A private examination is a similar process. However, the doctor will also look for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You will need to consult a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and assessment in case you decide to take medications. You will be asked to complete an inventory of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present ever since you were a child.
If your doctor agrees with you that you require ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now select their own mental health provider, and opt for private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy appointment with a specialist psychiatrist and questionnaires, such as checklists for symptoms and behavior rating scales. You may also be asked to share your thoughts from relatives or others who are familiar with you.
8. Ask your GP for a referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you believe that your child has ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour it is important to talk to your GP. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to the NHS to conduct an evaluation.
The NHS in England and 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 also has the system known as 'Right to Choose This means that you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your treatment and assessment. However, it can still be difficult to find organizations that qualify for this. Many individuals choose to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you choose to do this then, your doctor will need to write to your GP with a form for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. You will be paying for your medication privately, and the NHS should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for the 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 a lot of pressure and resources are scarce. It can also be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be completed quicker. This will include a clinical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, and current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to gather information about your symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, for example siblings, spouses, or a friend, could be collected to gain additional insight.
It is important to know that in England, people have the legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments through the "Right to Choose" pathway. This can reduce waiting times.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you're interested in getting an assessment through the NHS the process is fairly straightforward. You'll have to request your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait to be assessed.
You'll have a clinical interview with a specialist and they'll inquire about your medical background as well as developmental milestones, family history, and the particular symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms or seek feedback from people who know your condition.
If your GP does not recommend an assessment, it's worth finding a new GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared-Care Agreement with the NHS in the near future for medications. Psychiatry UK offers some useful tips for you. You can also make contact with private assessment providers directly.