How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS examination medical professionals will ask you questions about your health issues and how they affect your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should go if you suspect you or someone else suffers from ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to explain your symptoms. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan, including medication (if necessary) and therapy. During this process, your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will request details and will also collect information from others such as your family, teachers or your colleagues. You will be asked to fill out a range of questionnaires and forms. For instance, the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare it in advance to ensure you 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 may have difficulties obtaining this. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
When you go to your assessment, you'll be asked to provide an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they cause in various settings, such as at school or work. You will also be expected to give examples of times when your symptoms caused problems and disruption in your life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may send a letter to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications. They may also suggest CBT therapy in order to treat your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis you will be able to access support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if needed you can apply to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs your psychiatrist will be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to choose
If you're a British citizen, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services that include ADHD assessment and assessment of ADHD, and you can choose a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. However, it's crucial to be aware that the quality of the services offered by private healthcare providers may vary. This is why it's important to investigate and select healthcare providers who have experience in providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
Using your Right to Choose when you're getting an ADHD assessment will help you bypass long waiting times. You can learn more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also print and download the letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will help your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you've selected your health care provider they will schedule an appointment for you. It is likely to be in person, however it can also be conducted via video call depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and background, and will conduct other tests if needed. This could include tests for memory and a symptom checklist and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will prepare a report to outline any diagnosis and recommend next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will talk about medication if appropriate. They can also talk to you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer without the need for a referral from your doctor to an individual ADHD assessor. get assessed for adhd is a faster method of diagnosis and could be beneficial if you're the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's important to check with your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it may be worth taking advantage of private healthcare to receive an assessment. Under the "Right to Choose" procedure in England it is your legal right to choose which provider to consult with your GP in the event that they meet NHS requirements and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough medical 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 the relationships you have with. The results will be used to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD they will then write a personalised treatment plan for you that may include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that a 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 due to the fact that they don't believe they have the education or expertise in ADHD medication to be able to make educated decisions about what's most suitable for you.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments may vary greatly across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most costly location for both adult ADHD assessments as well as children's ADHD consultations. Consultations for follow-up were about 20 percent more expensive than national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your local area. If you don't want to pay for private healthcare, there are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, so in children, it is often manifested with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. However, in adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability, especially under stress at home or work. This could lead to an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before it's finally addressed.
For this reason, it's an excellent idea to see your GP If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial assessment taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you to a specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you come to 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 important to discuss any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, to the person carrying out your assessment, as this can cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines you have ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program which will include medication. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine, are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These drugs are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting periods. In fact, many private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in adulthood can transform your life. 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 additional support that you didn't previously have access to. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if you are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.