How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment, but it is important to follow the right steps. Talk to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP must take you seriously and request you to fill out an assessment tool.
You can also opt to go directly to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.
1. Speak to your doctor
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still some biases that make it difficult for people to get diagnosed. Some of these biases can include the belief that ADHD is only a problem that affects boys and people of certain backgrounds, and those who do not fit into the stereotype.
If your GP does not recommend an assessment, you should look into a different one, particularly if the NHS is offering a Right to Choose medication referral. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide on this here.
An ADHD assessment typically involves the conduct of a series of discussions with the psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires and ratings. You may also be asked about your family history, and what effects your symptoms can have on you. They will also check if you have any other health issues.
2. Request your GP for a referral
In England the UK, GPs can refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" pathway. This can help you access the NHS faster and cut down waiting times.
Your GP should listen to your concerns and engage in a a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reasons you think you might have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you for 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 will aid you in getting the support you require, including CBT therapy and medication. ADHD medications are stimulants that should only be prescribed by a specialist. If you've received a private diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared-Care Agreement'.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it hard to keep up with school, work or relationships. It can also affect your health and trigger a range of other mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment using an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you enjoy as a citizen of England.
In your evaluation you'll see psychiatrists who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. It's helpful to bring documents such as performance evaluations or copies from previous psychological test results. They might want to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. They will then decide whether you are diagnosed with ADHD. They may recommend that you look into medication options. They'll also talk about ongoing care, 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.
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can be a long one especially if you reside in an area that has a limited number of providers. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct your assessment will talk to you about how your issues affect you and utilize questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse or sibling, or parents for adults) to describe your behaviours. This could give you the kind of personal insight that cannot be found from questionnaires.
The specialist will provide a diagnosis to your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement', they will arrange for you to start treatment on the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. This could take some time due to the fact that the NHS is under immense pressure and has limited resources.
5. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can provide wonderful relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your own symptoms aren't caused by a personal failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of shame, guilt, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or a conversation with your family members, teachers, and others who are familiar with you. The psychiatrist will then compile an assessment report that includes their findings and possible diagnoses. Then, you will be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that could include a CBT or medication.
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 cheaper than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. You'll have to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is also helpful for establishing whether medication would be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The process includes an interview with a psychiatrist assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and development background. Family members and other individuals who know you well may be interviewed as well.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings (such as school, home and at work) and result in impairment. The behaviour cannot be explained by a mental illness such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the one who makes the diagnosis. A private assessment involves the same procedure. However, cheapest adhd assessment will also test for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to talk to an expert psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis for if you want to try medications. You will be asked to fill out the checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also look into whether your symptoms have been present since you were a child.
If your doctor is of the opinion that you need ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England are now able to choose their own mental health provider and choose private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy consultation with a specialist psychiatrist as well as questionnaires, such as checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. Input from family members or other people who know you well may be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
It is crucial to speak to your GP if you suspect your child might have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP is likely to be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In Scotland, they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England has a system called 'Right to Choose', which means that you have a legal right to choose where you receive your treatment and tests. It can be difficult to find organizations that qualify. Many patients prefer to receive their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you choose to do this, your clinician will need to send a letter to your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. You will be paying for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS should be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
It may take some time to get an evaluation in the NHS. The NHS mental health clinicians work under a lot of pressure, and resources are not abundant. Additionally 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, developmental landmarks, family history and the current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires are also used to collect information about your symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. To gain more information, you could be asked to give input from people who know you, for example, your spouse, sibling, or friend.
It's important to note that in England individuals have the legal right of choosing their provider of NHS assessments through the "Right to Choose" option. This could reduce the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you're looking to receive an assessment through the NHS, the process is fairly straightforward. You'll need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist, and then wait for the test.
You will have a clinical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical history, developmental milestones and family history as in addition to the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to complete symptoms checklists or request feedback from people who know you.
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 down the road. Psychiatry UK offers some useful tips for you. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.