How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also get an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should visit if you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from ADHD. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will want to know about your symptoms. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The doctor will examine and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. In this process, your doctor will also identify other psychological and medical conditions which can cause similar symptoms. They will ask for information and also gather information from others such as your teachers, family members or even your friends. You will be required to fill in a variety 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 is legally bound to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and may have difficulties in obtaining this. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life, including at school or at work. You will also have to give examples of times when your symptoms caused problems and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this will include childhood incidents.
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 medications you require. He or she may also recommend CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
After you have received your diagnosis, you will be able to use it to avail assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student University'Allowance and, if needed you should apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist can also recommend you to a psychologist who will provide additional support, depending on your needs.
Right to choose
If you're a citizen of the UK you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD assessments, and you can choose the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It is important to understand that the quality of treatment provided by private healthcare providers can vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can cut down on long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. You can learn more information about this on the NHS website. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to give your GP explaining the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to a private ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your doctor, they will book an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it can also be conducted via video conference depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD examination the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and background and will also conduct additional tests if needed. This could include a memory test and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a comprehensive report following your examination that will provide a detailed explanation of any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medications when appropriate. They can also discuss your obligations (such a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer with an appointment from your GP to an independent ADHD assessor. This is a simpler method to identify ADHD if you have the money to pay for an assessment by a professional. However, a private healthcare provider might not be covered by your insurance, therefore it's crucial to confirm that before making 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 wait for the NHS to determine the severity of your condition, it might be worth looking into private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice path in England you are legally entitled to choose which provider be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS criteria and are not more costly than the NHS is.
A private health care provider will conduct an in-depth clinical interview, asking you questions about your family and medical history as well as the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to fill out self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. This information will be used to rule out other psychological or medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD they will create an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it is important to know that the majority of GPs aren't willing to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' that states they will take over your management from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't believe that they have the necessary training 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 example the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both child and adult ADHD assessments, with follow-up appointments costing around 20 percent more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator can give you an idea of what to expect in your area. However, if like it decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternative routes to getting an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Adults can be affected by irritability and restlessness, particularly when they are under stress at home or work. This can result in the root of the problem being hidden for years before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea consult your GP in the event that, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you to a specialist such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you come to your appointment. You will be asked to list any mental health issues you have had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing you about any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, since they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you do have ADHD, they will then suggest a treatment program that will usually include medications. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These drugs aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, even though waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting periods. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD as an adult can alter your life. It can assist you in focusing on your work and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to other support you didn't know was available. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.