How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

Getting an ADHD assessment can be a bit difficult however it's essential to make sure you follow the correct steps. Talk with your GP about the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should treat you with seriousness and insist to fill in an instrument for screening.

If you prefer, you can opt to refer yourself to a private health provider for an ADHD assessment. This is a lot quicker than using the NHS.

1. Talk to your GP

In the UK there is a growing awareness of ADHD. However, certain beliefs can make it difficult for people to be diagnosed. These can include the perception that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people from certain backgrounds, or those who don't fit the image of someone with ADHD.

If your GP won't refer you for an assessment, you should look into a different one, particularly if the NHS offers a Right to Choose medication referral. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.

An ADHD assessment typically involves the conduct of a series of discussions with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and also questionnaires and scores. You may be asked to provide information about your family background and how your symptoms affect you. They will also check whether you have any other health issues.

2. Request your GP for a referral

In England, doctors can refer adults with ADHD to a psychiatrist via the 'Right to choose process. This will allow you to access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.

Your GP should listen to your concerns and have a a candid and open discussion with you regarding the reason you believe you may have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues affecting your life.

If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview and questionnaires assessing your symptoms, family history, and input from others who know you well. A diagnosis will help to provide you with the help you require, which includes medication and CBT. Medications for ADHD are stimulants and should only be prescribed by a qualified physician. If you've received a private diagnosis, your clinician will write to your GP asking them to prescribe for you under a 'Shared-Care Agreement'.

3. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatrist.

ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can be difficult to keep up with your schoolwork, at work or with relationships. It can also affect your health and lead to various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

The NHS provides specialized ADHD assessment using a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.

After your examination you'll see a psychiatrist who will ask about your symptoms and your family history. It is helpful to bring records like performance evaluations or copies from previous results of psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or other people who know you well. They will then determine whether they can determine that you have ADHD. They may suggest that you think about medication options. They'll also discuss on-going care, which could be continuing private treatment or sent back to your GP to share management.

4. Request your physician to refer you to the Neurodevelopmental Services.

The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment can take a long time especially if you reside in a location that has a limited number of providers. The NHS psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will speak to you about how your problems affect you and use questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. They might also ask those in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to describe your behavior. This can give you a personal insights that are not possible with a questionnaire.

The specialist will provide an assessment to your GP. If your GP accepts the 'Shared Care Agreement', they'll arrange for you begin treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medication and CBT therapy. This may take time because the NHS is under tremendous pressure and has limited resources.

5. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Psychiatrist

A professional ADHD evaluation can be a wonderful relief. It can help you understand that the symptoms of your child or you are not due to a personal failure or a neurological disorder. This can help reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-doubt.

The psychiatrist will gather information from a survey or interview with your teachers, family members, and other people who know you well. They will then put together a report of their findings and any possible diagnosis. You will then be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that may include CBT therapy 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 quicker and more affordable than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. You will have to pay for the assessment.

6. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service

Ask your GP for a referral in the event that you or your child suspects they are suffering from ADHD. A diagnosis from a clinical perspective will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be helpful for establishing whether medication would be beneficial.

The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of your medical and developmental history, and questionnaires. Interviews may be conducted with family members and other people who know you well.

The symptoms should be present in at least two settings (such as school, home and at work) and result in impairment. The behavior cannot be caused by another mental illness such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually performed by psychiatrists. A private assessment is a similar process, but the specialist will also look for comorbid conditions.

7. Ask your GP for the referral to a child psychiatrist

You'll need to speak with an Psychologist to obtain an assessment and diagnosis for if you want to try medication. They will ask you to complete an inventory of ADHD characteristics (symptoms) and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your symptoms have been present since you were a child.

If your doctor agrees with you that you require ADHD assessment, they may refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. Adults in England can now select their own mental health provider and choose private assessments.

A private ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview conducted by a psychiatrist specialist, as well as 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 to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service

If you believe that your child suffers from ADHD or have concerns about their behaviour It is essential to speak to your GP. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an assessment through the NHS.

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 a system called 'Right to Choose which means that you have the legal right to decide where you receive your treatment and assessments. However, it can still be difficult to find a company that meet the requirements for this. Many people opt to have their assessments and treatment privately instead. If you choose this option your doctor must write to your GP and submit paperwork for a Shared-Care Agreement. This means that you pay for medications privately, but the NHS should be able to cover CBT therapy.

9. Ask your GP to refer you to an Child Psychiatrist

In the NHS it could take a long time to receive an assessment. This is because NHS mental health clinicians are under immense pressure and resources are scarce. https://telegra.ph/10-Life-Lessons-That-We-Can-Learn-From-Assessments-For-ADHD-10-27 can also be difficult to navigate the NHS system.

A private ADHD assessment can be completed much faster. It will include a clinical interview with a specialist in adult ADHD. This will include your medical history, developmental landmarks, family history and the current symptoms. Self-reporting questionnaires are used to gather additional information regarding your symptoms, including the impact they have on your daily functioning. Information from those who know you well, such as siblings, spouses, or friend, may also be collected to gain additional insight.

It's worth mentioning that people in England have a legal right to choose their preferred provider for NHS assessments by following the 'Right to Choice' pathway. This can reduce waiting times.

10. Ask your GP to refer you to a Child Neurodevelopmental Service.

The process to get a NHS diagnosis is fairly simple. You will need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for an assessment.

You'll be in a clinical interview with the doctor and they'll inquire about your medical background as well as developmental milestones, family history, and specific symptoms you're experiencing. You might be asked to complete the checklist of symptoms or seek feedback from people who know you.



If your GP won't refer you for an evaluation, it is worth finding a new GP. This is especially relevant if you plan to submit a Shared-Care Application with the NHS in the near future for medications. Psychiatry UK offers a few helpful tips for you. You can also make contact with private assessment providers directly.