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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

It isn't easy to get an ADHD assessment, but it is important that you follow the correct steps. First, talk to your GP and explain the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take you seriously and request you to fill out a screening tool.

You can also opt to go directly to a private healthcare provider for an ADHD assessment. This can be a much faster option than using the NHS.

1. Talk to your GP

There is an increasing awareness of ADHD in the UK, but there are still a few prejudices that can make it more difficult for people to be diagnosed. These include the notion that ADHD is only a problem for boys, people with certain backgrounds, or who don't conform to the stereotype of someone who has ADHD.

If your GP is unable to recommend you for an assessment, you should looking for a different one - especially if you intend to take advantage of a Right to Choose referral for medications through the NHS. Here's a helpful guide from Psychiatry UK that can help you.

An ADHD assessment typically involves a series of conversations with your psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and also questionnaires and scores. You might also be asked about your family history and the impacts your symptoms may have on you. They will also ask whether you have any other health issues.

2. Have your GP to refer you

In England the UK, GPs can recommend adults with ADHD to psychiatrists through the "Right to Choose" process. This can allow you to access the NHS quicker and reduce the time it takes to wait.

Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and have an open and honest discussion with you about the reasons you think you might have ADHD. They should also discuss any other mental health issues affecting your life.


If they decide to refer you for an NHS assessment, your doctor should follow NICE guidelines. This includes an interview, questionnaires and input from those who know you best. A diagnosis will help to receive the support you need including medication and CBT. ADHD medications are stimulants that can only be prescribed by a specialist. If you receive a personal diagnosis from your clinician, they will ask your GP to prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement.

3. Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist

ADHD can be a debilitating condition. It can be challenging to keep up with school at work, or in relationships. It can also impact your health and lead you to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

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

You'll meet a psychiatrist at your appointment. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and your family history. Bring documents like performance evaluations and copies of any previous psychological tests. They may also want to talk to your parents or other people who are familiar with you. They will then determine whether they can determine that you have ADHD. They might suggest that you look into the possibility of medication. They'll also talk about ongoing care options, which could be ongoing private treatment or being discharged back to your GP for shared management.

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

It is a lengthy process to obtain an ADHD assessment, particularly when you live in an area where there are not many services. The NHS psychiatrist will ask you questions to gauge the severity of your symptoms and talk with you about your concerns. They may also ask people in your life who know you well (spouse, sibling or parents for adults) to comment on your behavior. This could give you the kind of personal insight that isn't available in questionnaires.

Once you've had your diagnosis, the specialist will send a report to your GP. If your GP accepts the "Shared Care" agreement, they will arrange for you to start treatment through the NHS. This will include prescription medications and CBT therapy. It could take a while because the NHS is under enormous pressure and has limited resources.

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

A professional ADHD assessment can be a wonderful relief. It can help you understand that your or your child's symptoms are a result of a neurological condition and not due to a personal flaw, reducing feelings of shame, guilt and self-doubt.

The psychiatrist will gather information from a survey or interview with your family, teachers and other people who know you well. They will then create the results of their investigation and any possible diagnosis. You will then be offered an appropriate treatment plan that may include a CBT or medication.

If you are an adult in England and you are a resident of England, you can opt to be recommended by your GP through the Right To Choose scheme to a private clinic. This is quicker and cheaper 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

Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist if you or your child believes they may are suffering from ADHD. A clinical diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. It can also be useful in determining whether medication will be beneficial.

The NHS provides guidelines on how to assess and diagnose ADHD. The process involves an interview with a psychiatrist assessment, a review and a questionnaire of your medical and development background. Family members and others who know you well may be questioned as well.

The symptoms must be evident in at least two settings (such as school, home, and work) and cause impairment. The behaviour cannot be caused by another mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. The diagnosis is typically performed by psychiatrists. A private evaluation will follow similar procedures, however the specialist will also look for comorbidities.

7. Ask your GP to refer you to an Psychiatrist for Children.

adhd assessments near me will need to consult a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and assessment in case you decide to take treatment. You will be asked to fill out a checklist of ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also determine if your symptoms have been present since you were a kid.

If your doctor is of the opinion that you need ADHD assessment, they can refer you to NHS Psychiatrist services. In addition, adults in England are now legally entitled to the right to select their own mental health provider and can choose private assessments without a GP referral.

A private ADHD assessment consists of a psychotherapy interview with psychiatrist specialists and questionnaires including symptom checklists and scales for rating behavior. You may also be asked to provide input from family members or others who are familiar with you.

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

If you believe that your child has ADHD or are concerned about their behavior, it's important to speak to your GP. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.

The NHS in England and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland, follows NICE guidelines to diagnose ADHD. In Scotland they adhere to 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 choose which treatment and tests. It isn't easy to find organizations that meet the requirements. Many patients prefer having their tests or treatments done in private. If you decide to do so then, your doctor will need to provide your GP with paperwork for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. You will have to pay for your medication on your own, whereas the NHS should cover CBT.

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

It may take a while to receive an evaluation in the NHS. This is due to the fact that NHS mental health professionals are under a lot of pressure and have limited resources. It can also be difficult to navigate the NHS system.

A private ADHD assessment is more quickly. It will include a medical interview with a specialist for adult ADHD. This will cover your medical history and developmental milestones, your family history, as well as your current symptoms. Self-report questionnaires will also be used to determine the extent of your symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning. To gain additional insight, you may be asked to share your thoughts from those who are familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling, or your friend.

It is important to know that in England, people have the legal right of choosing their preferred provider for NHS assessments via the 'Right to Choose" route. This can reduce 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 will need to ask your GP to refer you to an ADHD specialist and wait for the assessment.

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 in addition to the symptoms you are experiencing. You might be asked to complete symptom checklists or ask for feedback from people who are familiar with your condition.

If your GP refuses to make an appointment for you to be assessed It's a good idea to find an alternative GP especially in the event that you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement with the NHS for medication later in the future. Psychiatry UK has some helpful advice for you. You can also try contacting private assessment providers directly.

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