How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll also be asked about your family background 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 The first step is to talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for assessment.
This clinic will evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan, including medication (if required) and therapy. During this process your doctor will also identify other medical and psychological conditions that can trigger similar symptoms. They will request information and will also seek out information from others such as your family, teachers, or friends. You might be required to fill out a number of forms or questionnaires, such as the World Health Organisation's ASRS v1 form. Preparing this form in advance will help you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and could face difficulties obtaining this. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it by clicking here.
If you attend your assessment, you'll be asked to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms and the problems they cause in various settings, such as at school or work. You will be asked to give instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and interruptions in your life. For adults, this may include instances from childhood.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement. Your GP will then be accountable for prescribing any medication you require - and may suggest CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis you will be able to access support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student' Allowance at university and, if needed, make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist may also recommend you to a psychologist who could provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to Pick
If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see for a healthcare professional. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS offers many services such as ADHD evaluations and you can 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 are not the same. This is why it's crucial to find and select healthcare providers who have experience in providing effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting times by using your Right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. Find out more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to accept the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
After you have chosen an individual healthcare professional and have chosen a doctor, they will make an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it can be done via video chat depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and history and will also conduct additional tests as needed. This could include a memory test, a symptom list, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a comprehensive report following your examination that will outline any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will talk about medication if appropriate. They will also be able to talk with you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This can be an easier method of diagnosing ADHD if you have the funds to cover a professional assessment. However it is possible that a private health provider might not be covered by your insurance, so make sure to confirm that before making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think that your symptoms of ADHD are having a major impact on your daily life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it may be worth taking advantage of private healthcare to get an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choose option in England, you are legally entitled to choose which provider be referred to by your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS is.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical interview to ask questions about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to complete self-report questionnaires to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. They will then use this information to rule out any other mental or medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it's important to note that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a'shared care agreement' that states they will manage your treatment from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the expertise or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to take the private route it's important to keep in mind that the cost of private assessments and treatments aren't the same across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both children and adults ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing about 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of the costs you can expect in your area. 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 hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Adults can be affected by irritability and restlessness, particularly when under pressure at work or home. This can result in the root of the problem being hidden for a long time before being finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
For this reason, it's recommended to see your GP if you think you may have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial evaluation and gathering information about your symptoms and medical background. Visit Web Page will then refer you to a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you show up for your appointment, you will be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, and how they impact your life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues you've experienced in the past, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing you about any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, since they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do suffer from ADHD They will suggest a treatment program, which will often include medications. The most popular stimulants are treatments for ADHD, but it's also possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also opt for private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting time. In fact, many private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood could have life-changing implications. It can allow you to focus on your work and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It also gives you confidence and access to help that you didn't even know existed. If you're an adult contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.