How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment, medical professionals ask you questions about your health issues and how they impact your life. You'll also be asked questions about your family history and general health.
You can also have an ADHD assessment on your own. Certain private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to provide 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 will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan, including medication (if required) and therapy. In this process, your doctor will also identify other psychological and medical issues that can trigger similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and others like teachers, family members, or even your friends. You will be asked to fill out a range of forms and questionnaires. For example, the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare this form in advance, to make sure you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obligation to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be knowledgeable about the procedure. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life, including at work or school. You will also have to give examples of times when your symptoms have caused problems and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this may include instances from childhood.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send a letter to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications. They may also recommend CBT therapy in order to manage your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to apply for support services, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to your university. If you need to you could also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from any restrictions on driving. adhd assessment uk may also refer you to a psychologist who will offer additional assistance, based on your needs.
Right to pick
If you're a resident of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see for a healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services that include ADHD assessments and the option to select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality and care provided by private healthcare providers can vary. It's important to choose healthcare providers with demonstrated track records of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid long waiting times by exercising your right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. 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 help you get your GP to sign off on the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
After assessments for adhd have chosen the right healthcare provider the doctor will schedule an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it can also be done through video conferencing based on your situation. During the ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests as needed. This may include a memory test and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a comprehensive report following your evaluation that will outline any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medication when appropriate. They will also discuss your responsibilities (such a keeping in touch with GPs) and any other health issues you may have.
Alternately, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without any referral from your GP. This is a simpler method to identify ADHD in the event that you have the funds to cover an assessment by a professional. However it is possible that a private health provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, so make sure to confirm that before making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life, and you don't wish to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it may be worthwhile taking advantage of private healthcare to receive an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice' pathway in England you have the legal right to choose which provider be referred by your GP - so long as they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough interview to ask you questions about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to complete self-report questionnaires to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. This information is used to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be written for you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that the majority of GPs will not sign a'shared care agreement' in which they will assume your care from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't feel they have the education or knowledge in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
If you decide to take the private route, it's worth bearing in mind that the price of private assessments and treatment aren't the same across the UK. The East of England, for example, was found to be the costliest location for both adult ADHD assessments and children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than national median. Our ADHD cost calculator can give you an idea of what to expect in your local area. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are alternatives to get an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Adults can be affected by irritability and restlessness, particularly when under pressure at home or work. This can lead to an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a great idea to visit your GP in the event that, as an adult, you suspect you might have ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial assessment and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, like psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you show up for your appointment, you will be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they impact your daily life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you've suffered from and your family history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person who is assessing you of any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan which may include medications. Stimulants like Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These drugs aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also select private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting times. A number of private healthcare providers have been accepted by the NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood could have life-changing implications. It can allow you to focus on your work and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide the clarity and support that you did not realize existed. If you're an adult contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.