How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment on your own. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should go if you suspect that you or someone else has ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to clarify your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for assessment.
This clinic will evaluate and manage your symptoms, which may include therapy and medication if needed. During this process your psychiatrist will also determine if there are any other medical or psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and others, such as family members, teachers or your colleagues. You may be asked to fill out several forms or questionnaires, such as the World Health Organization's ASRS version 1 form. Preparing this form in advance will make it easier to remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and could face difficulty making this happen. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
adhd diagnosis assessment will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life such as at school or at work. You will also be required to give examples of times when your symptoms caused disruption and trouble in your daily life. For adults, this could include incidents from childhood.
If your diagnosis shows that you have ADHD and your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a formal request for an agreement on shared care. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications, and may recommend CBT therapy in order to manage your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis you will be able to avail support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university and, if necessary you can make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist may be capable of referring you to an expert psychologist who will offer additional support.
Right to pick
If you're a British citizen you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS offers many services such as ADHD assessments and the option to select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It's important to note that the quality and care provided by private healthcare professionals can vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have demonstrated track records of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid long waiting times by exercising your right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. Find out more information about this on the NHS website. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
After you have chosen the right healthcare provider, he or she will schedule an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it can also be done through video conferencing based on your situation. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist might ask you questions regarding your symptoms, history and conduct tests if needed. This could include a memory check and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report after your assessment which will detail any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medications as appropriate. They can also talk about your responsibilities (such keeping in contact with your GP) and any other health issues that you might have.
You can also self-refer with an appointment from your GP to an individual ADHD assessor. This is a faster method of diagnosis and could be beneficial if you're a situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you do not want to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS You may want to contact private healthcare to have an assessment. Under the 'Right to choose" process in England it is your legal right to choose which company to refer by your GP provided that they satisfy NHS requirements and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview to ask questions about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires to determine the extent to which ADHD affects your daily life and your relationships. This information will be used to rule out any other psychological or medical conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD, they will write a personalised treatment plan for you, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
It's important to understand that when it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after a private diagnosis, many GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement' which allows them to take over your treatment from your private doctor. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't believe they have the education or expertise in ADHD medication to be able to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
If you decide to go down the private path it's important to keep in mind that the costs of private treatment and assessments can differ widely across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both adult and child ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing around 20 percent more than the national average. You can get a rough estimate of the probable expenses for your area by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you don't want to pay for private healthcare, there are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. However, in adults, it is possible to disguise itself with irritability or restlessness, especially under pressure at work or home. This can result in the root of the problem being hidden for a long time, before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
For this reason, it's an excellent idea to see your GP in the event that you think you might have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start with an initial assessment, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you arrive for your appointment. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues you have had and also your family history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, to the person carrying out the assessment, as this can cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment plan, which will often include medication. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are among the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These drugs aren't addictive and can be helpful in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also opt for private healthcare providers that have shorter wait time. Private providers are often approved by NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult could have life-changing implications. For instance, it can help you focus on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to other support that you didn't previously knew existed. If you're an adult contemplating the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.