How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS assessment medical professionals will 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 assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers provide the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD The first option is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including treatment and medication if required. During this process your doctor will also rule out other psychological and medical issues that can trigger similar symptoms. They will collect information from you as well as other people such as family members, teachers or even your friends. You may be required to fill out several forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organisation's ASRS Form v1. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will make it easier to remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally bound to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they are not necessarily familiar with the process and could face difficulty making this happen. We suggest that you present your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
When you go to your appointment, you will be required to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms and the problems they are causing in different settings, such as at work or at school. You will be asked to list instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and interruptions in your life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD and your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a form for a shared care agreement. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications and may also suggest CBT therapy to treat your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis you will be able to avail assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university and, if necessary, apply to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist will also be in a position to refer you to a specialist 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 known as the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services, including ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that meets your needs and preferences. However, it's important to know that the quality of the care provided by private healthcare providers could vary. This is why it's crucial to research and choose health care providers with a track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can cut down on long waiting times by using your Right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in getting your GP to approve the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
After you've selected an individual healthcare professional the doctor will make an appointment with you. It will most likely be in person, however it can be done via video call depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment, your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and background, and will conduct other tests if needed. This could include an assessment of memory and a symptom checklist and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your evaluation your psychiatrist will write a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will talk about medication if appropriate. They will also discuss your responsibilities (such keeping in contact with your GP) and any other health issues you might have.
Alternately, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This could be a faster method of diagnosis and could be helpful if you're in the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's important to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life and you don't wish to wait for the NHS to determine the severity of your condition, it might be worthwhile seeking out private healthcare to get an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice option in England, you have the legal right to select which company to be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS would be.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough medical interview to ask you questions about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires that assess how ADHD affects your daily functioning and how it affects your relationships. This information is used to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD A personalised treatment plan will be written specifically for you. assessed for adhd could include psychotherapy or medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that most GPs aren't willing to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' in which they will assume your care from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't believe that they have the training or experience in ADHD medication to to make informed decisions about what's best for you.
If you decide to go down the private option it's important to keep in mind that the costs of private treatment and assessments aren't the same across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the costliest place for both adult ADHD assessments as well as child ADHD consultations. Consultations for follow-up were about 20 percent more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of the costs 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 get an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it may disguise itself with irritability or restlessness, especially under pressure at work or home. This can lead to an underlying issue being concealed for a long time, before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
This is why it's a good idea to visit your GP if you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial assessment, gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at the time of your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you've had to deal with, as well as family history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any other comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression, to the person conducting your assessment, as this could cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will recommend a treatment plan that includes medication. The most popular stimulants are medications used to treat ADHD However, it's possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. You can also opt for private healthcare providers who offer shorter wait times. 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. It can assist you in focusing on your relationships and career rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to other support you didn't have access to. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.