How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS assessment, medical professionals ask you questions about your health issues and how they impact your life. You'll be asked about your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD assessment privately. Some 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 the first step is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this process your psychiatrist will also determine if there are any other medical or psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you as well as other people such as family members, teachers or even your friends. You will probably be asked to complete various forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organisation's ASRS v1 form. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, so that you bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and could have difficulties obtaining this. If this is the case, we recommend that you print and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
When you go to your appointment, you will be required to provide an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different settings, such as at work or at school. You will be asked to provide examples of how your symptoms led you to have problems and disruptions in your life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If your diagnosis shows that you have ADHD then your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a formal request for an agreement on shared care. Your GP is then accountable for prescribing any medication you require - and may suggest CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to apply for support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments to your university. If necessary you could also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from restrictions on driving. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who can advise you on additional support.
Right to choose
If you're a citizen of the UK you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services that include ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. affordable adhd assessment to note that the quality and care provided by private healthcare professionals will differ. This is why it's crucial to find and select healthcare providers with experience in providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website you can read more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP explaining the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your health care provider, they will book an appointment for you. This will likely be in person, however it can also be conducted via video chat depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD examination, your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and background, and will conduct other tests as required. This might include tests for memory, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination, your psychiatrist will write a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will talk about medication as appropriate. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such a keeping in touch with GPs) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer without an appointment from your GP to a private ADHD assessor. This is a simpler method of diagnosing ADHD in the event that you have the money to cover an assessment from a professional. However it is possible that a private health provider may not be covered by your insurance, therefore it's crucial to confirm prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms affect your life and you do not wish to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to go to private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice' pathway in England you are legally entitled to select which company to be referred to by your GP provided that they meet NHS standards and aren't more costly than the NHS is.
A private healthcare provider will conduct an in-depth interview with you, asking questions about your family and medical background as in addition to the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to answer self-report questions which assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out other mental or physical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD A personalised plan of treatment will be developed for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it is important to know that most GPs will refuse to sign a'shared care agreement' that states they will assume your care from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't feel that they have the necessary training or knowledge in ADHD medication to be able to make educated decisions about what's best for you.
If you decide to go down the private route, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of private treatment and assessments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the most expensive place for both adult ADHD assessments as well as child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of the costs you can expect in your region. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternative routes to getting an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Adults may be affected by irritability and restlessness, particularly when under pressure at work or at home. This can lead to an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before finally being addressed.
It's a good idea consult your GP if you are an adult and you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial assessment, gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, like psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, and how they affect your life. You will be asked about any mental health issues you've had to deal with, as well as family history of mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person assessing your case about any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, since they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you do suffer from ADHD They will recommend a treatment plan which may include medications. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs aren't addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also opt for private healthcare providers who provide shorter wait times. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD as an adult can transform your life. It can allow you to focus on your work and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you confidence and access to help that you didn't even have access to. If you're an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.