How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. 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 that you or someone else suffers from ADHD. 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 an assessment.
The clinic will assess and manage your symptoms, which may include therapy and medication if needed. Your doctor will also rule out other psychological and medical issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and others like family members, teachers or friends. You will be asked to fill out a range of questionnaires and forms. For example, the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. 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 pay for an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the process. If this is the case, we recommend that you print off and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life such as at work or school. You will also be required to provide examples of instances when your symptoms led to trouble and disruption in your life. This includes childhood experiences for adults.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. He or she may also recommend CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to request support services, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the university. If you need to you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist may also refer you to a psychologist who can provide additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to pick
If you're a citizen of the UK you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services, including ADHD evaluations, and you can choose the right healthcare provider to meet your needs and preferences. It is important to understand that the quality of the treatment provided by private healthcare providers may 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.
Using your Right to Choose when you are getting an ADHD assessment can help you avoid long wait times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also print and download an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will help your GP to approve your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your health care provider They will make an appointment for you. It is likely to be in person, however it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD examination the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and background, and will conduct other tests as needed. This may include a memory test as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your evaluation your psychiatrist will write a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will discuss medication as appropriate. They can also discuss your obligations (such maintaining contact with your GP) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This can be an easier method of diagnosing ADHD when you have the funds to pay for an assessment by a professional. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance, so make sure to confirm that prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a major impact on your life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it might be worthwhile taking advantage of private healthcare to receive an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choose path in England, you have the legal right to choose which healthcare provider to be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS would be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking you questions about your family and medical background as well as the severity of your symptoms. adhd assessment online will also require you to complete 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 which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you have ADHD they will create an individual treatment plan for you that could include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it is important to know that the majority of GPs will not sign something called a 'shared care agreement' in which they will assume your care from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). They do not think they have the experience or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you choose to take the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the price of private assessments and treatment can vary widely across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both adult and child ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing about 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator can provide you with an idea of what to expect in your area. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Adults are susceptible to anxiety and restlessness, especially when they are under pressure at work or at home. This can lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for many years before it's finally addressed.
For this reason, it's recommended to see your GP in the event that you think you might have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start by conducting an initial evaluation taking notes on your symptoms and medical background. The doctor will then refer you on to a specialist like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you come to your appointment. You will be asked to list any mental health issues you've had and also the history of your family members with mental illness. It's important to disclose any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, to the person carrying out the assessment, as it can create confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do suffer from ADHD They will suggest a treatment program which may include medication. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are non-addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that provide shorter wait time. In fact, a lot of private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult could have life-changing implications. For instance, it could help you focus on your career goals and relationships, instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to additional assistance that you didn't knew existed. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.