How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Achieving an ADHD assessment can be difficult however it's essential to adhere to the correct procedures. Begin by talking to your GP and explain why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should treat you seriously and ask that you fill out an instrument for screening.
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 to your doctor
In the UK there is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, certain prejudices can make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. This could include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males, those from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of a person with ADHD.
If your GP does not want to refer you for an assessment, it's worth taking a look at a different one, especially if you intend to pursue a Right to Choose referral for medication through the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide about this here.
A typical ADHD evaluation consists of conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms and questionnaires. You might be asked to give information about your family background and how your symptoms affect your life. They will also inquire if you have 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 route. This can help you access the NHS quicker and decrease waiting times.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have a open and honest discussions with you regarding the reason you think you may be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that are affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis can help receive the support you need including medication and CBT. The medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified physician. Once you have a private diagnosis, your physician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can be challenging to keep up with your schoolwork, at work or with relationships. It can also affect your health and lead you to other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialist ADHD tests through a process called 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 your family history. Bring documents like performance evaluations and copies of previous psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or others who are familiar with you. They will decide whether they are able to identify you as having ADHD. They may recommend that 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 can be a long process to receive an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in an area where 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 behaviour or consult someone who is familiar with you such as your spouse, sibling or your parents if you're an adult. This could give you the kind of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.
After you've received your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report your GP. If your GP accepts a 'Shared care agreement' they'll make arrangements for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It can take a while as the NHS is under strain, and resources are scarce.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a major relief. It will help you realize that your your child's symptoms are due to an illness of the brain and not due to a personal flaw and reduce the feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members and other individuals who know you well. They will then compile an account of their findings and any potential diagnosis. You will then be offered a treatment plan, which may include CBT therapy or medication.
If you are an adult in England, you can also decide to be referred by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to private clinics. This is quicker and less expensive than waiting for a referral from the NHS. However, you'll be paying for the exam yourself.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in the event that you or your child believes they may have ADHD. A clinical diagnosis will help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be helpful for determining if medication is 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 as well as questionnaires. Family members and others who know you may be interviewed as well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two settings (such as school, home and at work) and cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be better explained by a mental health issue like depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually made by a psychiatrist. A private examination is the same procedure. However, the specialist will also check for any comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
You'll need to talk to an expert psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis in case you decide to take medication. They will request you to fill out the checklist of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present ever since you were a kid.
Your doctor should be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Alternately adults in England have the legal right to choose their own mental health provider and may choose to have private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview with a psychiatrist specialist as well as questionnaires, such as symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating. You could also be asked to provide input from family members or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is essential to talk to your GP if you suspect your child may have ADHD or if you are concerned about their behavior. Your GP should 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, they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England also has an option called 'Right To Choose', which means you have the legal right to choose the place you receive your treatment and assessments. adhd assessment cheap can be difficult to find organizations that are qualified. Many patients prefer to receive their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you do then, your doctor will need to write to your GP with a form for an Shared Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS should cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
It can take some time to receive an evaluation from the NHS. This is because NHS mental health professionals are under lots of pressure and resources are scarce. It can also be a challenge to navigate through the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment is much more efficient. It will include a medical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, as well as your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires can also be used to collect information about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. People who know you well, like your spouse, sibling or a close friend, can be gathered to provide additional information.
It is important to remember that in England citizens have the legal right to select their preferred provider for NHS assessments by following the "Right to Choose" route. This can cut down on wait times.
10. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis from the NHS procedure, it's relatively simple. You'll need to request your GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist, and then wait to be evaluated.
You'll be able to have a consultation with the specialist, and they'll ask you about your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and specific symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to fill out symptom checklists and ask for input from people who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to recommend you for an assessment, it's worth seeking a new GP especially if you plan on applying for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication in the future. There are some useful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.