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. First, talk to your GP and explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be able to take seriously and request you to fill out an assessment tool.
You can also opt to self-refer to a private medical professional to get an ADHD assessment. This route can be much faster than the NHS.
1. Speak with your doctor
In the UK there is an increasing awareness of ADHD. However, some prejudices can make it difficult for people to recognize the symptoms. These can include the perception that ADHD is only a problem for males, those from certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.
If your GP does not recommend an evaluation, you should consider finding another - especially if the NHS is offering the Right to Choose medication referral. Psychiatry-UK has a useful guide about this here.
An ADHD evaluation typically consists of a series of conversations with the psychiatrist about your symptoms as well as questionnaires and ratings. You may be asked to give details about your family history and how your symptoms affect you. They will also determine whether you have any other health issues.
2. Ask your GP for an appointment
In England, GPs may refer adults suffering from ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" pathway. This will allow you to access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.
Your GP should take your concerns seriously and have a candid and honest discussion about the reasons why you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues affecting your life.
If your doctor decides to refer you to the NHS for an assessment, they should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and a review of your symptoms as well as your family history and information from those who know you well. A diagnosis will help to get you the support you require, including medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that should only be prescribed by a specialist. If you've been given a personal diagnosis, your clinician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared Care Contract'.
3. Ask your GP to recommend you to a Psychiatrist
ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can make it difficult to keep up with work, school or even relationships. It can also impact your health and cause various mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The NHS offers specialized ADHD evaluations through an assessment process called Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.
In your evaluation you'll be able to meet with an Psychologist who will inquire about your symptoms and family history. It's helpful to bring documents such as performance evaluations or copies of previous psychological test results. They might want to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. They will then decide if you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They may suggest that you look into medication options. They'll also talk about ongoing care, which could be continued private treatment or discharged back to your GP for shared management.
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 reside in a location where there are few providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms and speak with you about your concerns. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to describe your behaviours. This can give you a personal insights that are not possible through an online questionnaire.
The specialist will provide an appointment to your GP. If your GP agrees to an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement and they'll help you start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It can take a while and 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 big relief. It will help you realize that the symptoms of your child or you aren't caused by a personal failure or an underlying neurological disorder. This can ease feelings of guilt, shame, and self doubt.
The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or through interviews with your teachers, family members, and other people who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account of their findings and possible diagnoses. You will be given the treatment plan which could include medication or CBT.
Adults in England are also able to be directed to a private clinic by their GP under the Right To Choose scheme. This can be quicker and more affordable 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.
If you suspect you or your child have ADHD It's worth asking your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can help you make reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can be useful for determining if medication is beneficial.
The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process includes an interview with a psychiatrist, a review and questionnaires of your medical and developmental history. Family members and other individuals who know you well may be questioned as well.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (such as home, school and at work) and result in impairment. The behavior is not explained by another mental illness, like anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is typically performed by a psychiatrist. A private examination is the same procedure. However, the doctor will also test for comorbidities.
7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist
You will need to consult a psychiatrist to get an assessment and diagnosis in case you decide to take medications. They will require you to complete an inventory of ADHD traits (symptoms) and how they affect your life. They will also assess whether your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.
If your GP agrees that you require ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now choose their own mental healthcare provider, and opt for private assessments.
A private ADHD assessment includes a psychotherapy interview with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, such as checklists for symptoms and behavior rating scales. Family members or anyone else who knows you well could be requested as well.
8. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
It is crucial to speak to your GP If you think your child might have ADHD or if you're concerned about their behavior. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment with the NHS.
The NHS in England, Wales and 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 the legal right to select the place where you receive your care and assessments. It can be difficult to find organizations that qualify. Many people opt to have their tests and treatments done privately instead. If you do then, your doctor will need to write to your GP with paperwork for an Shared Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication privately, while the NHS will cover CBT.
9. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist
It may take a while to get an evaluation in the NHS. The NHS mental health specialists work under a lot of pressure, and the resources are not abundant. It can also be a challenge to navigate the NHS system.
A private ADHD assessment can be completed more quickly. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental milestones, family history, and current symptoms. Self-reporting forms will be used to collect additional data regarding your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily activities. To gain more insight, you may be asked to share your thoughts from those who are familiar with you, for example, your spouse, sibling, or your friend.
It's important to note that in England individuals have the legal right to select their preferred provider for NHS assessments through the "Right to Choose" pathway. This could reduce the time spent waiting.
10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.
If you're interested in getting a diagnosis from the NHS the process is quite simple. You'll have to make an appointment with your GP for the referral to an ADHD specialist and then wait for an evaluation.
You'll be in a clinical interview with a specialist and they'll ask about your medical background and developmental milestones, your family history, as well as the specific symptoms you're experiencing. You may be asked to fill out symptoms checklists and request feedback from people who know you well.
If psych assessment for adhd refuses to recommend you for an assessment you should consider seeking a new GP particularly in the event that you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later down the line. There are some useful tips on doing this on the Psychiatry-UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.