How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS evaluation medical professionals will ask you questions about your health issues and how they affect your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also have an ADHD assessment 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 suffers from ADHD the first port of call is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. The GP will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
This clinic will evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan, including medications (if necessary) and therapy. During this procedure, your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for information and will also seek out information from others, like your teachers, family members, or friends. You may be asked to complete various forms or questionnaires, such as the World Health Organisation's ASRS Form v1. It is recommended to prepare this in advance, to make sure you have it to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be knowledgeable about the procedure. If this is the case, we suggest printing and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
If you attend your assessment, you will be asked to give a detailed description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different environments, such as school or at work. You will be asked to give instances of when your symptoms have caused you to experience problems and interruptions in your life. For adults, this may include incidents from childhood.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may send a letter to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications and may also recommend CBT therapy to manage your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to use it to avail support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if needed you should apply to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist may be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to choose
If you're a British citizen you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS provides a variety of services, including ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. It is important to remember that the quality and level of care offered by private healthcare providers can vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers with an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid 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 a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier for your GP to accept your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
After you've selected a healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will book an appointment with you. how to get adhd assessment uk will most likely be in-person, but it could also be conducted via video conferencing, depending on your situation. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and history and will also conduct additional tests if needed. This could include a memory test, a symptom list, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report after your assessment that will outline any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medication if appropriate. They will also be able to talk with you about your responsibilities (such as staying in contact with your GP) and other health issues you may have.
Alternately, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This can be an easier way to diagnose ADHD if you have the money to cover an assessment by a professional. It is important to inquire with your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not want to wait to have your condition evaluated by the NHS You may want to seek out private healthcare to have 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 provided that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private health care provider 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. You will also be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires that assess the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and how it affects your relationships. They will then analyze the results to rule out other mental or medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine you have ADHD, a personalised plan of treatment will be written specifically for you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
It is important to be aware that when it comes to accessing medication through the NHS following a private diagnosis, most GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract' which allows them to take the care of your private physician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't believe they have the education or knowledge in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what is most suitable for you.
If you decide to go down the private path It's worth keeping in mind that the price of private treatment and assessments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most costly place for both adult ADHD assessments and child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than national median. You can get an idea of the expected costs for your particular region 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 some alternatives to obtaining an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder and, in children, it usually manifests with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. In adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under stress at home or work. This can lead to an underlying problem being masked for years before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
For this reason, it's an excellent idea to see your GP If you suspect you might have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start by conducting an initial evaluation and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, and how they impact your life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues you've experienced and also your family history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing your case about any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, as they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will suggest a treatment plan that includes medication. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be long. You can also choose private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting times. Many private providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. For example, it can help you focus on your goals for your career and relationships rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you the clarity and support that you didn't even know existed. If you are an adult and are considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.