How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS evaluation, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. You'll also be asked about your family history and general health.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first port of call is usually to go and talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and create a treatment plan that includes medication (if required) and therapy. During this process your doctor will also rule out other psychological and medical issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you as well as other people like teachers, family members, or even your friends. You may be required to fill out a number of forms or questionnaires, such as the World Health Organization's ASRS version 1 form. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will help you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the procedure. If this is the case, we recommend printing and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you will be asked to give an in-depth description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different settings, such as at work or at school. You will be asked to list examples when your symptoms caused you to have problems and interruptions in your life. For adults, this could include childhood incidents.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to submit 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.
Once you have received your diagnosis you will be able to use it to avail assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student allowance at the university and, if necessary you should make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs your psychiatrist will be capable of referring you to an expert psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
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 preferences and needs. It is important to remember that the quality of care and treatment provided by private healthcare providers are not the same. It is important to select healthcare providers with a proven track record in providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
Utilizing your Right to Choose when you are getting an ADHD assessment will help you get through long waiting times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to accept the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
After you've selected a healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will book an appointment with you. This will likely be in person, however it can be done via video conference depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD examination your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests if needed. This might include a memory test as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report following your examination which will detail any diagnoses and suggest 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 a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues that you may have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This can be a quicker way to diagnose and may be beneficial if you're in a situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your daily life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it might be worth seeking out private healthcare to receive an assessment. Under the 'Right to Choose" procedure in England, it is your legal right to decide which company to refer by your GP in the event that they satisfy NHS requirements and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct an in-depth interview with you, asking questions about your family and medical history, as along with the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to fill out self-report questionnaires which assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. This information is used to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you have ADHD they will create an individual treatment plan specifically for you that could include psychotherapy and medication.
It's important to know that when it comes to accessing medications through the NHS in the event of a private diagnosis, many GPs won't sign a'shared-care agreement that allows them to take over your treatment from your private clinician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't believe they have the education or experience in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most suitable for you.
It's important to remember that private assessments and treatments can differ greatly across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both child and adult ADHD assessments, with follow-up appointments costing about 20 percent more than the national average. You can get a rough idea of the likely expenses for your region by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare There are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults can be affected by anxiety and restlessness, especially when they are under stress at home or work. This can result in an underlying issue being concealed for years before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
This is why it's an excellent idea to see your GP if you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial examination, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at the time of your appointment. You will be asked about any mental health issues you've had to deal with and your family history of mental illness. book adhd assessment to disclose any comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety to the person who is conducting your assessment, since this could cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you do suffer from ADHD If they find that you do, they will recommend a treatment plan which may include medications. The most popular stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications aren't addictive and can be helpful in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also pick private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting times. Many private providers have been approved by NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis at the age of an adult could have life-changing implications. It can assist you in focusing on your work and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to additional support you didn't know was available. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.