How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It isn't easy to get an ADHD assessment, but it is important to follow the right steps. Talk with your GP about the reasons you think you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should take you seriously and ask to fill out a screening instrument.
cost of adhd assessment uk can also opt to go directly to a private healthcare provider to get an ADHD assessment. This option is much faster than the NHS.
1. Talk to your GP
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 get diagnosed. These include the notion that ADHD only affects boys, people with certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of someone with ADHD.
If your GP does not want to recommend you for an assessment, it's worth considering finding another one - particularly if you wish to seek a Right to Choose referral for medication through the NHS. Here's a guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.
A typical ADHD assessment consists of a series of conversations with a psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You might be asked to give information about your family background and how your symptoms affect you. They will also ask whether you have any other health issues.
2. Request your GP for a referral
In England the UK, GPs can recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists via the "Right to Choose" pathway. This will allow you to access the NHS faster and cut down the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have a an open and honest discussion with you regarding the reason you think you may be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about other mental health issues affecting your life.
If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. These include an interview, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms, family history, and information from those who know you well. A diagnosis can help you get the support you require, including CBT therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD are stimulants and can only be prescribed by a specialist clinician. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your doctor 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 school and at work, as well as in relationships. It can also affect your health and cause a range of other mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialist ADHD assessment using an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right that you have in England.
In your evaluation you'll be able to meet with a psychiatrist who will ask about your symptoms and family history. It can help to bring evidence such as performance evaluations or copies of previous psychological test results. They may want to speak to your parents or other people who know you well. Then, they will determine if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They might suggest you consider the possibility of medication. They'll also talk about ongoing care options, which could be continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP for shared management.
4. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services
The process of getting an ADHD assessment can take a long time especially if you reside in an area where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist who will conduct your assessment will talk with you about how your issues affect you and use questionnaires to assess the severity of your symptoms. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse siblings, parents or sibling for adults) to comment on your behavior. This will give you personal insight that is not possible with an online questionnaire.
After you've received your diagnosis, the specialist will provide a report 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 for the referral to a child psychiatrist
A professional ADHD assessment can be a huge relief. It will help you realize that the symptoms of your child or you are not caused by a personal failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.
The psychiatrist will collect data from a questionnaire or an interview 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. You will then be offered a treatment plan, which could include a CBT or medication.
Adults in England can also be referred to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be cheaper and faster than waiting for an NHS referral. You'll have to pay for the assessment.
6. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services
If you suspect you or your child has ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you for an assessment. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It is also helpful for establishing whether medication would be beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of medical and developmental history and questionnaires. Family members and other people who know you well could be questioned too.
Children and adults must exhibit symptoms in two or more situations, such as school, home and work and the symptoms can cause impairment. The behavior is not explained by another mental illness such as anxiety or depression. A psychiatrist is typically the one to make the diagnosis. A private evaluation is the same procedure. However, the doctor will also test for the presence of comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.
You'll need to speak with an Psychologist to obtain a diagnosis and assessment in case you decide to take treatment. They will ask you to complete a checklist of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present ever 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 are now able to 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 could also be asked to provide input from family members or others who know you well.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you suspect that your child suffers from ADHD or have concerns about their behaviour it is important to talk to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS for an evaluation.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as 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 assessments. It isn't easy to find organizations that are qualified. Many patients prefer to receive their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you decide to do this your doctor will write to your GP and submit paperwork to sign a Shared-Care Contract. You will pay for your medication privately, while the NHS will be able to cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist
In the NHS it can take a long time to receive an assessment. The NHS mental health clinicians work under immense pressure, and the resources are not abundant. Additionally it can be a challenge to navigate the maze of the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be completed more quickly. This will include a medical assessment with an adult ADHD specialist. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks as well as family history and your current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires are used to collect additional data regarding your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily functioning. Input from people who know you well, like a spouse, sibling, or a friend, could be collected to gain additional insight.
It's important to mention that citizens in England have the legal right to choose the provider they use for NHS assessments by following the 'Right to Choice option. This can cut down on the length of wait.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis through the NHS, the process is relatively simple. You'll need to request your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and then wait for the test.
You'll be able to have a consultation with the doctor, and they'll ask you about your medical background as well as developmental milestones, family history, as well as the particular symptoms you're experiencing. You may also be asked to complete symptom checklists and ask for opinions from those who know you well.
If your GP isn't willing to recommend you for an assessment It's a good idea to find a new GP particularly when you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS to receive medication later on in the future. There are some helpful guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also get in touch with private assessment providers directly.