How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS evaluation medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. You'll also be asked questions about your family background and general health.
You can also have an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should visit if you suspect that you or someone else has ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this procedure your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for details and will also collect information from others such as your family, teachers, or friends. You may be asked to fill out various forms or questionnaires, such as the World Health Organisation's ASRS v1 form. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, to make sure you bring it to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they might not be knowledgeable about the process. If this is the case, we suggest printing and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
When you go to your assessment, you will be asked to give a detailed description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different settings, such as at work or at school. You will also be required to provide examples of times when your symptoms have caused problems and disruption in your life. For adults, this may include childhood incidents.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. adhd assessment uk cost will be accountable for prescribing any medication you require. He or she may also suggest CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
After you have received your diagnosis, you will be able to use it to gain access to assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student' Allowance at university and, if necessary you should apply to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who can offer additional support.
Right to Pick
If you're a British citizen, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services including ADHD assessment and assessment of ADHD, and you can choose a healthcare provider that meets your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality and care provided by private healthcare providers will differ. This is why it's important to find and select healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you're getting an ADHD assessment will allow you to get through long waiting times. You can find out more about this right on the NHS website. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to sign off on the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
Once you've selected your health care provider they will schedule an appointment for you. It is likely to be in person, but can also be conducted via video call depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD examination the doctor will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and history, and will conduct other tests if needed. This could include a memory check, a symptom list, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will then prepare a report to detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will talk about medication when appropriate. They will also be able to talk with you about your responsibilities (such as staying in contact with your GP) and other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This can be an easier way to diagnose ADHD if you have the funds to pay for an assessment from a professional. It's essential to consult your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you don't want to wait for a time to have your condition evaluated by the NHS You may want to go to private healthcare for an assessment. Under the "Right To Choose" process in England you have the legal right to choose which provider to consult with your GP in the event that they satisfy NHS requirements and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview to ask you questions about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to complete self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then analyze the results to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine you have ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be developed for you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it is important to know that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' where they will assume your care from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the necessary training or experience in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what's most suitable for you.
If you decide to take the private route it's important to keep in mind that the price of private assessments and treatments can vary widely across the UK. For instance the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both adult and child ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing around 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. However, for adults, it can mask its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under pressure at home or at work. This can lead to an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist over many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea to see your GP when you are an adult and you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, including how they impact your life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you have experienced, as well as family history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety to the person conducting the assessment, as this could cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do have ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan that will usually include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medications, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are non-addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that have shorter wait periods. In fact, a lot of private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult could have life-changing implications. For instance, it can help you focus on your goals for your career and relationships rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to other support you didn't have access to. If you are an adult and are contemplating the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.