How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
Achieving an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however it's essential to make sure you follow the correct steps. Talk to your GP about the reasons you think you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should take you seriously and ask to fill in an assessment instrument.
You can also self-refer to a private health care provider to get an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
There is a growing awareness of ADHD in the UK however there are still a few prejudices that make it difficult for people to diagnose. Some of these biases include the belief that ADHD is only a problem for males and people of particular backgrounds, or who do not fit the stereotype.
If your GP does not want to recommend you for an examination, it's worth looking for a different one - especially if you want to seek a Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide to this here.
An ADHD assessment usually involves an ongoing conversation with the psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires and scores. You might also be asked about your family history and the impact your symptoms have on you. They will also inquire whether you have any other health problems.
2. You can ask your GP for an appointment
In England doctors can refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" route. This lets you access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about other mental health issues that affect your life.
If your GP decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they must 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 will aid you in getting the support you need, including CBT therapy and medication. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. After you have received a private diagnosis from your physician, they will ask your GP to prescribe under the terms of a Shared Care Agreement.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a crippling condition. It can make it hard to keep up with work, school or relationships. It can also affect your health and cause various mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD tests through a process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal rights that you have as a citizen of England.
You'll meet a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. It can help to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of your previous psychological test results. It is also possible to speak to your parents or other family members who know you well. They will then determine whether they can identify you as having ADHD. They may suggest that you think about the possibility of medication. 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 take a long time, especially if you live in a location that has a limited number of providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to assess the severity of your symptoms and talk to you about your problems. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse or sibling, or parents for adults) to describe your behaviours. adhd assessment I Am Psychiatry can give you a personal insight that is not possible through a questionnaire.
Once you've had your diagnosis, the specialist will send a report to your GP. If your GP agrees with the "Shared Care Agreement," they'll arrange for you to start treatment through the NHS. This includes prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while as the NHS is under pressure, and resources are limited.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to an a Child Psychiatrist
A professional ADHD evaluation can be a wonderful relief. It can help you understand that your child's or your symptoms aren't caused by an individual failure, but a neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather data from a questionnaire or a conversation with your family members, teachers, and others who know you very well. They will then put together an account of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will then be offered an appropriate treatment plan that may include medication or CBT therapy.
Adults in England can also be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be faster and more affordable than waiting for an appointment from the NHS. You will have to pay for the examination.
6. Ask your GP for the referral to a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
Ask your GP for a referral in the event that you or your child thinks they have ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be useful in determining whether medication will be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The procedure involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of medical and developmental history, and questionnaires. Interviews can also be conducted with family members and others who know you well.
Children and adults must exhibit symptoms in multiple contexts, including school, home and work, and the symptoms cause impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by a different mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the person who makes the diagnosis. A private evaluation is the same procedure. However, the doctor will also look for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for a referral to a child psychiatrist
If you're considering medication, then you will require a consultation with a psychiatrist to get an assessment and a diagnosis. They will require you to complete a checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also look into whether your symptoms have been present since the time you were a child.
Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. Alternatively, adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to select their own mental health care provider and may choose to have private assessments without a GP referral.
A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview with psychiatrists and questionnaires that include symptom checklists as well as behavior rating scales. The input of family members or others who know you well could be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you think that your child suffers from 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 for an evaluation.
The NHS in England and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines to diagnose ADHD. In Scotland they follow Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines.
The NHS in England has a system known as 'Right to Choose,' which means that you have a legal right to select the place where you receive your care and assessments. It isn't easy to find organizations that qualify. Many people prefer to have their tests or treatments done privately. If you choose this option your doctor will write to your GP and provide paperwork to sign a Shared-Care Contract. This means that you'll pay for medications privately, but the NHS will provide CBT therapy.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
In the NHS, it can take some time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health professionals are under great pressure, and resources are limited. Additionally it can be difficult to navigate the complexity of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be done more quickly. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones as well as family history and the current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to gather additional information about your symptoms, as well as the impact they have on your daily life. To gain additional insight, you may be asked to provide input from those who are familiar with you, for example, your spouse, sibling, or your friend.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have the legal right to choose their provider for NHS assessments by following the 'Right of Choice' pathway. This can cut down on waiting times.
10. Ask your GP for the referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services
The process to get a NHS diagnosis is relatively simple. You'll need to make an appointment with your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist, and then wait to be evaluated.
You'll have a clinical interview with the specialist and they'll ask about your medical background and developmental milestones, your family history, and the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out the checklist of symptoms or seek feedback from those who know you.
If your GP won't refer you for an assessment, it's worth finding a new GP. This is especially true if you intend to submit a Shared-Care Application with the NHS in the future for medication. There are some helpful suggestions on how to do this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.