How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. You'll also be asked questions about your family history and general health.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, your first port of call is to talk to your GP. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will want to know about your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
This clinic will evaluate and manage your symptoms, which may include therapy and medication if needed. During this process your psychiatrist will also eliminate other medical and psychological conditions which can cause similar symptoms. They will ask for information and also gather information from others, like your teachers, family members or even your friends. You will be required to fill in a variety of forms and questionnaires. For example, the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. Making this form ahead of time will make it easier to keep track of it and bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and could have difficulties obtaining this. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life whether at work or school. You will be asked to list examples when your symptoms caused you to face problems or disruptions in your life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications. They may also recommend CBT therapy in order to treat your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to request support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments to your university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from any restrictions on driving. Your psychiatrist may also recommend you to a psychologist who can provide additional support, depending on your needs.
Right to Choose
If you're a British citizen you are able to choose your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to choose". uk adhd assessment offers a wide array of services, including ADHD assessment and assessment of ADHD, and you can choose a healthcare provider that suits your preferences and needs. It is important to know that the quality of the treatment provided by private healthcare providers can differ. This is why it's crucial to find and select health care providers with a track record of offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can cut down on long waiting times by using your Right to choose when you get an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website you can read more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP explaining the Right to Choose process. This will help your GP to accept your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
After you have selected your healthcare provider they will schedule an appointment for you. This will likely be in person, but can also be conducted via video conference in accordance with your situation. During the ADHD assessment your psychiatrist might ask you questions regarding your symptoms, history, and conduct other tests, if required. This might include tests for memory and a symptom checklist and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report after your assessment that will outline any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will talk about the appropriate medication. They will also discuss your obligations (such maintaining contact with GPs) and any other health issues you may be dealing with.
You can also self-refer without a referral from your GP to an independent ADHD assessor. This is a simpler method of diagnosing ADHD in the event that you have the funds to pay for an assessment from a professional. However it is possible that a private health provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, so make sure to confirm that prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it may be worthwhile seeking out private healthcare to receive an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choose' pathway in England, you are legally entitled to choose which provider be referred by your GP - so long as they meet NHS criteria and are not more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough interview to ask you questions about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires that assess the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD then a customized treatment plan will be written specifically for you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that the majority of GPs aren't willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that states they will take over your management from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't feel that they have the training or expertise in ADHD medication to to make informed decisions about what is most suitable for you.
If you decide to go down the private option it's important to keep in mind that the costs of private assessments and treatment can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most expensive place for both adult ADHD assessments as well as children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of what you can expect in your region. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternatives to obtaining an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition which is why in children it tends to manifest itself as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. However, in adults, it may disguise itself with irritability or restlessness especially when under stress at home or at work. This can lead to an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist over many years before it is finally addressed.
It's a good idea visit your GP if, as an adult, you suspect you might have ADHD. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment, gathering information on your symptoms as well as your medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you come to your appointment. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues that you've experienced, as well as your family history of mental illness. It is important to discuss any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, to the person carrying out the assessment, as this could cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program that will include medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are not addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting periods. In fact, a lot of private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD as an adult can alter your life. For instance, it could enable you to concentrate on your goals for your career and relationships instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to additional assistance that you didn't knew existed. If you're an adult contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.