How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS evaluation, medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
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 to go if you suspect you or someone else is suffering from ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and develop a treatment plan, including medication (if required) and therapy. During this process, your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you as well as other people like teachers, family members, or friends. You might be asked to complete several forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organization's ASRS v1 form. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will help you keep track of it and bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they are not necessarily familiar with the process and could face difficulty making this happen. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
When you go to your appointment, you will be required to provide a detailed description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different settings, 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 will include childhood incidents.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications you require. They may also recommend CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to apply for support services such as Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at university. If necessary, you can also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from driving restrictions. Based on your requirements, your psychiatrist will also be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to pick
If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see as a healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS offers many services, including ADHD assessments, and you can choose the right healthcare provider to meet your preferences and needs. It is important to know that the quality and level of care offered by private healthcare providers are not the same. It's important to choose healthcare providers with an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid long waiting times by exercising your right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. You can find out more about this right on the NHS website. You can also print and download an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in getting your GP to sign off on the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
After you have selected your healthcare provider they will schedule an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, but could also be done via video chat depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and background and will also conduct additional tests as needed. This may include a memory test and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report after your assessment that will outline any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medication when appropriate. They will also be able to talk to you about your obligations (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer with an appointment from your GP to an independent ADHD assessor. This can be a quicker route to diagnosis and may 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 believe that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you do not want to delay getting your condition assessed by the NHS, you may wish to go to private healthcare to have an assessment. Under the 'Right to choose" procedure in England you have the legal right to choose which company to refer by your GP provided that they satisfy NHS specifications and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct an in-depth clinical interview, asking you questions about your medical and family background as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires to determine the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. The results will be used to rule out other psychological or medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that could include medication and psychotherapy.
It's important to understand that when you're seeking medication through the NHS after a private diagnosis, many GPs won't sign a'shared-care agreement' which allows them to take the care of your private doctor. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't feel they have the education or knowledge in ADHD medication to be able to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
If you decide to take the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the price of private assessments and treatment aren't the same across the UK. The East of England, for example, was found to be the costliest place for both adult ADHD assessments and child ADHD consultations. uk adhd assessment for follow-up were about 20 percent more expensive than the national median. You can get a rough idea of the likely costs for your specific area by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternative routes to getting an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition and, in children, it tends to manifest itself as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. However, in adults, it can mask itself with irritability or restlessness especially when under stress at home or work. This could lead to an underlying problem being masked for years before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea to see your GP if you, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial assessment taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will then refer you to a specialist like psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you get to your appointment, you'll be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues you've had and also your family history of mental illness. It is important to tell the person who is assessing you of any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do have ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment program that will usually include medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine, are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are non-addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also choose private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. Private providers are often accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult can have a profound impact on your life. It can allow you to focus on your work and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to support that you did not realize existed. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.