How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment, but it is important to follow the right steps. First, speak to your GP and explain the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to fill out the screening tool.
You can also self-refer yourself to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This route can be much more efficient than the NHS.
1. Speak with your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still some biases that can make it more difficult for people to be diagnosed. These can include the perception that ADHD only affects boys, people from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP does not recommend an assessment, you should look into a different one, particularly when the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK which can assist you.
An ADHD assessment usually involves an ongoing conversation with a psychiatrist about your symptoms and also questionnaires and ratings. You may be asked to provide information about your family background and how your symptoms impact your life. They will also inquire if you are suffering from any other health issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you
In England, doctors can refer adults suffering from ADHD to a psychiatrist using the 'Right of Choice process. This can allow you to access the NHS quicker and decrease the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and have a open and honest discussions with you regarding the reason you believe you may have ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues affecting 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 assessing your symptoms as well as your family history and feedback from people who know you well. A diagnosis will help to get you the support you require, which includes medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that should only be prescribed by specialists. Once you have a private diagnosis, your clinician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or social relationships. It can also affect your health and trigger a range of other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment using a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights that you have as a citizen of England.
You'll see a psychiatrist during your appointment. They will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history. It is helpful to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of previous psychological test results. You may also wish to speak with your parents or other family members who know you well. They will then decide whether they are able to identify you as having ADHD. They might suggest that you investigate the possibility of medication. They'll also discuss on-going care options, which could be ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP for shared management.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service.
It can be a lengthy process to obtain an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in an area in which there aren't many service providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms and talk to you about your problems. They might ask you to describe your behavior or seek out someone who is familiar with you like your spouse, sibling, or parents if you are an adult. This could give you a level of personal insight that is not available through questionnaires.
After receiving your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report your GP. If your GP accepts an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement they'll make arrangements for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This may take time due to the fact that the NHS is under enormous pressure and has a limited amount of resources.
5. Ask your GP for an appointment with 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 caused by an illness of the brain and not due to a personal flaw and can help reduce feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect data from a questionnaire or through an interview with family members as well as teachers and other people who know you well. They will then compile a report of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will then be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that may include medication or CBT therapy.
If you are an adult in England and you are a resident of England, you can decide to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to private clinics. This is less expensive and quicker 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
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS provides guidelines for how to evaluate and diagnose ADHD. adhd assessment price consists of an interview with a psychiatric assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and developmental background. Interviews may be conducted with family members and other people who know you well.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings (such as school, home and at work) and cause impairment. The behavior can't be explained by another mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is usually the one who makes the diagnosis. A private evaluation will follow similar procedures, however the specialist will also assess for any comorbid conditions.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
If you are considering medications, then you'll need to see a psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis. They will ask you to complete the checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also assess 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. Adults in England can now choose their own mental healthcare provider and choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a medical interview with a specialist psychiatrist and questionnaires, such as checklists for symptoms and behavior rating scales. You may also be asked to provide input from family members or other people who know you well.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you believe that your child is suffering from ADHD, or if you have concerns about their behaviour It is essential to speak to your GP. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with the NHS.
The NHS in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland they adhere to Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has a system called 'Right to Choose', which means you have the legal right to decide where you receive your medical treatment and assessments. However, it can be difficult to find organisations that qualify for this. Many patients prefer to receive their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you opt for this option your doctor must write to your GP and submit paperwork for a Shared-Care agreement. This means that you'll pay for medication privately, however the NHS should cover CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
In the NHS it can take some time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health professionals are under immense stress, and resources are not abundant. In addition, it can be difficult to navigate the maze of 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 as well as developmental milestones, family history, as well as your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to gather information about your symptoms and the impact they have on your everyday functioning. Information from those who know you well, such as your spouse, sibling or friend, may also be gathered to provide additional information.
It is important to know that in England, people have the legal right to choose their provider of 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 a diagnosis from the NHS procedure, it's quite simple. You will need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for an assessment.
You will have a clinical consultation with a specialist. They will ask you about your medical history along with developmental milestones, family history, as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to fill out the checklist of symptoms and seek feedback from people who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to recommend you for an assessment It's a good idea to find another GP particularly if you plan on applying for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on down the line. Psychiatry UK offers a few helpful tips for you. You can also make contact with private assessment providers directly.