How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS evaluation, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. You'll be asked about your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers provide the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to 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. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication, if necessary. During this process, your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and other, such as family members, teachers or friends. You will be required to fill out a range of questionnaires and forms. For instance the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. Preparing this form in advance will make it easier to remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they are not necessarily familiar with the process and may have difficulty making this happen. If this is the case, we recommend that you print and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life such as at work or school. You will be asked to give instances of when your symptoms have caused you to face problems or disruptions in your life. For adults, this may include incidents from childhood.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications you require. He or she may also suggest CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis, you will be able to avail support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student' Allowance at university and, if needed you can apply to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist will also be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who can provide additional assistance.
Right to Pick
If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to as a healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS offers many services that include ADHD assessments and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It's important to know that the quality of care provided by private healthcare providers can vary. This is the reason it's essential to find and select healthcare providers with experience in providing effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can cut down on long waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. 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 that explains the Right to Choose process. This will help your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your doctor They will make an appointment for you. It will most likely be in-person, but it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your situation. During the ADHD assessment your psychiatrist might ask you questions about your symptoms, your history and conduct tests, if required. This could include a memory test as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a comprehensive report following your examination that will outline any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medication when appropriate. They may also speak with you about your obligations (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues you may have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This could be a faster way to diagnose and may be helpful if you're in the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's important to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not want to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to contact private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose option in England, you are legally entitled to choose which provider be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS criteria and are not more expensive than the NHS is.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough interview to ask you questions about your medical background, family history, and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires that assess how ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. 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 conclude that you have ADHD A personalised plan of treatment will be formulated specifically for you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it is important to know that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' where they will manage your treatment from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the knowledge or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It's important to remember that private assessments and treatments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for example, was found to be the most expensive area for both adult ADHD assessments as well as assessment for children ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20% more expensive than the national median. You can get an estimate of the probable costs for your particular region by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternatives to obtaining an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition which is why in children it is often manifested with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. However, in adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under stress at work or home. This can result in an underlying problem being masked for years before being finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
This is why it's recommended to see your GP If you suspect you may have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment taking notes on your symptoms as well as your medical background. The doctor will then refer you to a specialist like psychiatrist or psychologist.
adhd assessments uk will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you arrive for your appointment. You will be asked to list any mental health issues that you've experienced in the past, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing you about any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, as they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do suffer from ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment program which may include medication. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are non-addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers who provide shorter waiting times. A number of private healthcare providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood can have life-changing consequences. For instance, it can help you focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to other support that you didn't previously know was available. If you are an adult contemplating the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.