How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment, 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 have an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, your first step is to talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and 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 an appropriate treatment plan, which includes medications (if necessary) and therapy. Your doctor will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can trigger similar symptoms. They will ask you for information and will also seek out information from others, like your teachers, family members, or friends. You will be asked to fill out a variety of forms and questionnaires. For example the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. Making this form ahead of time will make it easier to remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required 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. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
When you are scheduled for your appointment, you will be asked to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms as well as the issues they cause in various environments, such as school or at work. You will also have to provide examples of times where your symptoms have led to trouble and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this will include incidents from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with you have ADHD, your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care. Your GP will be accountable for prescribing any medication you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to apply for support services such as Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments to your university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from restrictions on driving. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a citizen of the UK, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services that include ADHD assessment and assessment of ADHD, and you can choose a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. It's important to understand that the quality of the care provided by private healthcare providers could vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers with demonstrated track records of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you're getting an ADHD assessment can help you bypass long waiting times. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will help you get your GP to approve the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
After you have selected your healthcare provider, they will book an appointment for you. It will most likely be in-person, but it is also possible to schedule through video conferencing based on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests if needed. This might include an assessment of memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your assessment, your psychiatrist will prepare a report to describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medications if appropriate. They can also talk about your obligations (such keeping in contact with GPs) and any other health issues you may be dealing with.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This is a faster way to diagnose and may be helpful if you're in a position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It is important to inquire with your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you don't want to wait for a time to have your condition assessed by the NHS, you may wish to go to private healthcare for an assessment. Under the 'Right to Choose" process in England you have the legal right to decide which company to refer by your GP in the event that they meet NHS requirements and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct an in-depth clinical interview, asking you questions about your medical and family history as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires to determine how ADHD affects your daily life and the relationships you have with. They will then utilize this information to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that could include medication and psychotherapy.
It's important to know that when it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after a private diagnosis, most GPs won't sign a'shared-care agreement' which allows them to take over your treatment from your private doctor. This is true even for ADHD tablets. They don't think they have the experience or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you choose to take the private route it's important to keep in mind that the price of private treatment and assessments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the costliest place for both adult ADHD assessments and child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your local area. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are some alternatives to get an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition, so in children, it is often manifested as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. In adults, it is possible to disguise itself with irritability or restlessness, especially under pressure at work or home. This can lead to an underlying problem being masked for a long time, before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea consult your GP when, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial examination taking notes on your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will then refer you to a specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
When more resources get to your appointment, you will be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you have experienced and your family history of mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing your case about any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, since they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you do suffer from ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment plan, which will often include medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, even though waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. A number of private healthcare providers have been accepted by the NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD as an adult can change your life. It can allow you to focus on your relationships and career rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to additional support that you didn't previously have access to. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.