How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask you questions about your health issues and how they affect your life. You'll be asked questions about your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also obtain 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, your first step is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
This clinic will evaluate and treat your symptoms, including treatment and medication if required. During this process your doctor will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will ask for information and also gather information from others such as your teachers, family members, or friends. how to get an adhd assessment uk will be asked to fill out a range of questionnaires and forms. For example, the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will help you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the process. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
If you attend your appointment, you will be asked to give an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different situations, like at work or at school. You will also be required to give examples of times where your symptoms have caused disruption and trouble in your life. For adults, this may include instances from childhood.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to submit paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your physician is accountable for prescribing all medications and may also suggest 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 the university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from any restrictions on driving. Your psychiatrist may also refer you to a psychologist who can provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to Choose
If you're a citizen of the UK, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare professionals can vary. This is why it's crucial to investigate and select healthcare providers with a track record of offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid lengthy waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. You can find out more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also download and print 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 a private ADHD assessment.
After you have chosen an individual healthcare professional and have chosen a doctor, they will schedule an appointment with you. This will likely be in person, however it can also be conducted via video conference depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD assessment your doctor will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and past history and will also conduct additional tests if needed. This might include an assessment of memory, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report after your assessment which will detail any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such keeping in contact with GPs) and any other health issues you may have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This could be a more straightforward method of diagnosing ADHD when you have the money to cover an assessment by a professional. However the private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, so make sure to confirm prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms affect your life and you don't want to wait for a time to have your condition assessed by the NHS, you may wish to contact private healthcare to have an assessment. Under the 'Right to choose" procedure in England, it is your legal right to decide which healthcare provider to refer to your GP in the event that they satisfy NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional 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 complete self-reporting forms that evaluate the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and how it affects your relationships. The results will be used to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include psychotherapy and medication.
It is important to be aware that when it comes to accessing medications through the NHS following an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement which permits them to take control of your treatment from your private physician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't believe that they have the training or expertise in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
If you decide to go down the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of private treatment and assessments can differ widely across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both child and adult ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing around 20 percent more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you 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 neurodevelopmental disorder, and it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. However, in adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability especially when under stress at home or work. This could lead to an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist for many years before it is finally addressed.
It's a good idea consult your GP in the event that you are an adult and you suspect you might have ADHD. Your GP will start with an initial assessment 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 features of your ADHD symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. You will be asked to list any mental health issues you have had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is essential to disclose any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, to the person carrying out your assessment, since it can create confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will recommend a treatment plan that includes medication. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD However, it's possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting times. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult can have a profound impact on your life. For instance, it can help you focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you clarity and access to support that you didn't even realize existed. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.