How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll be asked about your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. Certain private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, your first step is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and ask you to explain your symptoms. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication, if necessary. During this process your psychiatrist will rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. adhd uk assessment will ask you for details and will also collect information from others such as your teachers, family members, or friends. You will be required to fill out a range of forms and questionnaires. For instance, the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will make it easier to remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the process. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life such as at school or at work. You will be asked to give examples when your symptoms caused you to experience problems and disruptions in your life. For adults, this could include incidents from childhood.
If your diagnosis shows that you have ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications. They may also recommend CBT therapy to manage your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to apply for support services, such as Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at university. If necessary, you can also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from restrictions on driving. Your psychiatrist can also recommend you to a psychologist who can offer additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to Pick
If you're a British citizen, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is known as 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 preferences and needs. It's important to note that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare professionals will differ. It is important to select healthcare providers with demonstrated track records of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you get an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will help you get your GP to accept the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
Once you have chosen your healthcare provider they will schedule an appointment for you. It is likely to be in-person, but it can also be done via video conferencing depending on your situation. During the ADHD evaluation, your psychiatrist may ask you questions regarding your symptoms, your history and conduct additional tests if needed. This could include an assessment of memory, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your evaluation your psychiatrist will then draft a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will talk about the appropriate medication. They will also be able to talk with you about your responsibilities (such as staying in contact with your GP) and other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer with the need for a referral from your doctor to a private ADHD assessor. This is a faster route to diagnosis and may be helpful if you're in a situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. However it is possible that a private health provider may not be covered by your insurance, so it's important to check prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to determine the severity of your condition, it could be worth seeking out 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 healthcare provider to be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough 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 that assess how ADHD affects your daily functioning and the relationships you have with. This information is used to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be developed specifically for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
It is important to be aware that when you're seeking medication through the NHS following a private diagnosis, many GPs won't sign a'shared-care agreement that allows them to take over your treatment from your private doctor. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the training or experience in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what is best for you.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary greatly across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both adult and child ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of what to expect in your area. If you don't want pay for private healthcare, there are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition which is why in children it is often manifested by exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults can be affected by irritability and restlessness, particularly when they are under stress at work or home. This can lead to an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist for many years before finally being addressed.
It's a good idea to see your GP when you, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial evaluation, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will then refer you on to a specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at the time of your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you have experienced in the past, as well as your family's history of mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing your case about any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, as they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you do suffer from ADHD They will recommend a treatment plan which may include medications. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine, are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications aren't addictive and can be helpful in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. You can also opt for private healthcare providers that provide shorter wait times. Private providers are often accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in an adult can change your life. For instance, it can allow you to focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide confidence and access to help that you didn't even have access to. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if you are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.