How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS examination medical professionals will ask you questions about your health issues and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first port of call is to talk to your GP. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan, including medications (if required) and therapy. During this process your psychiatrist will also eliminate other psychological and medical issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you as well as other people, such as family members, teachers or even your friends. You might be required to fill out a number of forms or questionnaires, such as the World Health Organisation's ASRS Form v1. It is a good idea to prepare it in advance to ensure you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the process. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
When you go to your assessment, you'll be asked to give an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different environments, such as school or work. You will be asked to give instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and disturbances 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 paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications, and may recommend CBT therapy in order to manage your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to gain access to support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student' Allowance at university, and if appropriate you can submit a request to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist who could provide additional assistance, based on your needs.
Right to choose
If you're a citizen of the UK you are able to 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 the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It's important to note that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare providers can vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have a proven track record in providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you get an ADHD assessment. You can learn more about this right 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 help your GP to approve your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your doctor They will make an appointment for you. It is likely to be in-person, but it could also be conducted through video conferencing based on your situation. During he said , your psychiatrist may ask you questions regarding your symptoms, your history and conduct tests if necessary. This could include a memory test, a symptom list, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report following your evaluation that will provide a detailed explanation of any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will discuss medication as appropriate. They can also talk with you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues you may have.
Alternately, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This can be an easier way to diagnose ADHD when you have the money to cover an assessment from a professional. It's important to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you don't want to delay getting your condition assessed by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to contact private healthcare to have an assessment. Under the "Right To choose" process in England it is your legal right to choose which company to refer by your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct an in-depth interview with you, asking questions about your medical and family background as in addition to the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to fill out self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. The results will be used to rule out other mental or physical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD then a customized treatment plan will be formulated specifically for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it's important to remember 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 because they don't feel they have the education or expertise in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's best for you.
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 most costly area for both adult ADHD assessments as well as child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator can provide you with an idea of what to expect in your region. If you don't want to pay for private healthcare there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder which is why in children it tends to manifest itself with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. Adults are susceptible to irritability and restlessness, particularly when they are under pressure at home or work. This can result in an underlying issue being concealed for a long time, before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
This is why it's a good idea to visit your GP If you suspect you may have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment, gathering information on your symptoms as well as your medical background. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues that you've had in the past, as well as your family history of mental illness. It's important to disclose any other comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety, to the person carrying out your assessment, since this could cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you do suffer from ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment program, which will often include medication. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant medications, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be lengthy. You can also opt for private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting time. Many private providers have been approved by NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. It can assist you in focusing on your relationships and career rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide confidence and access to help that you didn't even know existed. If you're an adult and are contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.