How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. You'll also be asked about your family history and general health.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, your first step is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns very seriously and will ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan, including medication (if required) and therapy. Your psychiatrist will also eliminate other psychological and medical issues that can trigger similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and others, such as teachers, family members, or even your friends. You might be required to fill out a number of forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organization's ASRS version 1 form. Preparing this form in advance will help you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obligation to fund an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the process. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life such as at work or school. You will be asked to provide instances of when your symptoms have caused you to experience problems and interruptions in your life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If you are diagnosed with you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a formal request for an agreement for shared care. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medications you require. He or she may also recommend CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your doctor may also recommend you to a psychologist who will provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to pick
If you're a resident of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see for a healthcare professional. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD evaluations, and you can choose the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. It is important to remember that the quality of care and treatment offered by private healthcare providers can vary. This is why it's crucial to research and choose healthcare providers with experience in offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting times by using your Right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. You can find out more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also print and download the letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will make it easier to get your GP to sign off on the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
Once you have selected a healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will make an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it is also possible to schedule via video conferencing depending on your situation. During the ADHD examination, your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and history and will also conduct additional tests if needed. This could include a memory check and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will then write a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medications. They can also talk about your responsibilities (such keeping in contact with your GP) and any other health issues you might have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This could be a more straightforward method to identify ADHD if you have the funds to pay for an assessment from a professional. It's essential to consult your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your life and you don't want to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it may be worthwhile looking into private healthcare to get an assessment. Under the "Right To choose" process in England you have the legal right to decide which provider to consult with your GP provided that they satisfy NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking questions about your medical and family history, as well as the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires to determine how ADHD affects your daily activities and your relationships. The results will be used to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD A personalised treatment plan will be developed for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
It's important to understand that when you're seeking medication through the NHS following a private diagnosis, many GPs won't sign a'shared-care agreement' which allows them to take over your treatment from your private clinician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. They do not believe they have the expertise or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary greatly across the UK. For instance the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both children and adults ADHD assessments, with follow-up appointments costing around 20% more than the national average. You can get a rough estimate of the probable costs for your specific location by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. 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 a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it manifests in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. In adults, it may disguise itself with irritability or restlessness, especially under stress at home or work. This can result in an underlying problem being masked for a long time, before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
It's a great idea to visit your GP if you are an adult and you suspect you might have ADHD. Your GP will start by conducting an initial assessment taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. adhd online assessment will then refer you on to a specialist like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you arrive for your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues that you've suffered from and your family history of mental illness. It's important to disclose any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, to the person who is conducting the assessment, as this could cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD, they will then suggest a treatment program which may include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are not 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 diagnoses, but waiting times can be long. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting time. In fact, a lot of private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in an adult can alter your life. For example, it can help you focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to other support that you didn't previously know was available. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.