An Easy-To-Follow Guide To How To Get An ADHD Assessment UK How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

Getting an ADHD assessment can be difficult however it's essential to make sure you adhere to the correct procedures. Talk with your GP about why you believe you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should treat you seriously and ask to fill in an assessment instrument.


If you prefer, you can opt to refer yourself to a private health provider for an ADHD assessment. This route can be much more efficient than the NHS.

1. Talk with your doctor

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

If your GP does not want to send you to an assessment, it's worth looking for a different one - especially if you want to take advantage of a Right to Choose referral for medication via the NHS. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide on this here.

A typical ADHD evaluation consists of sessions with a psychiatrist concerning your symptoms as well as questionnaires. You may be asked to provide details about your family history and the way your symptoms affect you. They will also ask whether you have any other health issues.

2. Have your GP to refer you

In England doctors can refer adults with ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" route. This allows you to access the NHS quicker and reduce waiting times.

Your GP should listen to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you regarding the reason you think you may be suffering from ADHD. They should also talk about any other mental health issues that may be impacting your life.

If they decide to refer you to an NHS assessment, your GP should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis will help to provide you with the help you require, including medication and CBT. The medications for ADHD are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor. Once you have a private diagnosis, your doctor will write to your GP asking them to prescribe you under a 'Shared Care Agreement'.

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

ADHD can be a debilitating disorder. It can be difficult to keep up with your schoolwork at work, or in relationships. It can also impact your health and lead to other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

The NHS offers specialized ADHD evaluations through a process known as Right to Choose (RTC). This is a legal right you have in England.

You'll be accompanied by a psychiatrist at your assessment who will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history. Bring documentation like performance evaluations or copies of any previous psychological tests. You may also wish to speak with your parents or other people who know you well. They will then decide if they can determine that you have ADHD. They might suggest that you investigate treatment options. They will also discuss ongoing care, which could include private treatment or a referral back to your GP.

4. Request your doctor to refer you to a Neurodevelopmental Service

It can be a lengthy process to get an ADHD assessment, especially if you live in an area where there are not many providers. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your symptoms and talk with you about your concerns. They might ask you to describe your behaviour or ask someone who is familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling or your parents if you're an adult. This could give you the kind of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.

The specialist will then send an assessment to your GP. If your doctor accepts a 'Shared care agreement', they'll arrange for you begin treatment via the NHS. This includes 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 an appointment with a child psychiatrist

A professional ADHD evaluation can be a huge relief. It will help you realize that your child's or your own symptoms are a result of an illness that affects the brain, not a personal failing, reducing feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.

The psychiatrist will gather information from a questionnaire or a conversation with your family members teachers, family members, and others who know you well. They will then create the results of their investigation and any potential diagnosis. Then, you will be provided with an appropriate treatment plan that could include CBT therapy or medication.

If you are an adult in England and you are a resident of England, you can choose to be directed by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This is less expensive and faster than waiting for an NHS referral. However, you'll be paying for the examination yourself.

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

If you suspect you or your child has ADHD It's a good idea to ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. A clinical diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be helpful to determine if medication could be beneficial.

The NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist, a review of the medical and developmental histories, and questionnaires. Interviews can be conducted with family members and others who are familiar with you.

The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings (such as school, home, and work) and result in impairment. The behavior cannot be explained by a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. The diagnosis is usually done by a psychiatrist. A private evaluation will follow the same process, however 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 expert psychiatrist for an assessment and diagnosis if you wish to try treatment. You will be asked to complete a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present ever since you were a child.

Your GP will be able to refer you to the NHS Psychiatrist service if they agree that you need an ADHD assessment. In addition, adults in England have the legal right to choose their own mental health provider and can opt for private assessments without a GP referral letter.

how much does an adhd assessment cost consists of a medical interview with a specialist psychiatrist, and questionnaires, which include checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. The input of family members or others who know you well may be requested as well.

8. Ask your GP for an appointment with a Child Neurodevelopmental Services

If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD or are concerned about their behavior, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment through the NHS.

The NHS in England, Wales and 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 an option called 'Right To Choose', which means you have the legal right to decide where you receive your treatment and assessment. However, it can be difficult to find organisations that meet the requirements for this. Many individuals choose to have their assessments and treatment privately instead. If you choose this option your doctor will write to your GP and provide paperwork for a Shared-Care agreement. You will pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS will provide CBT.

9. Ask your GP for an appointment with a child psychiatrist

It may take a while to receive an evaluation from the NHS. This is because NHS mental health professionals are under a lot of pressure and resources are limited. Additionally, it can be difficult to navigate the complexities 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 how they affect your everyday functioning. To gain additional information, you could be asked to give input from those who know you, like your spouse, sibling, or your friend.

It is important to remember that in England citizens have the legal right of choosing their provider of NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This can reduce waiting times.

10. Ask your GP for a referral to a child Neurodevelopmental Services

The process of getting an NHS diagnosis is fairly simple. You'll need to make an appointment with your GP for an appointment with an ADHD specialist, and then wait to be assessed.

You will attend a medical consultation with an expert. They will ask you about your medical background as well as developmental milestones and family history, as along with the symptoms you are experiencing. You might also be asked to complete symptom checklists and ask for input from people who know you well.

If your GP refuses to recommend you for an assessment, it's worth seeking a new GP particularly when you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication down the road. There are some helpful guidelines on how to go about this on the Psychiatry UK website. You can also contact private assessment providers directly.