How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS evaluation, medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also get an ADHD assessment 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 the first step is to talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for assessment.
The doctor will examine and manage your symptoms, which may include therapy and medication, if necessary. During this process your doctor will also identify other psychological and medical issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and others, such as teachers, family members or friends. You will be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires and forms. For example the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. Preparing this form in advance will make it easier to remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and could face difficulties obtaining this. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your life whether at school or at work. You will also have to provide examples of times when your symptoms caused disruption and trouble in your daily life. For adults, this may include incidents from childhood.
If add adhd assessment are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may send a letter to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications you require - and may recommend CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to use it to avail support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student allowance at the university and, if necessary you can make an application to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist can also refer you to a psychologist who could provide additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to choose
If you're a resident of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose the person you visit for a healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services that include ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that meets your preferences and needs. It is crucial to be aware that the quality of care provided by private healthcare providers could differ. This is why it's crucial to investigate and select health care providers with an established track record of offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can cut down on long waiting times by exercising your right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also print and download a letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in getting your GP to accept the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once conversational tone 've selected your doctor They will make an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it is also possible to schedule through video conferencing based on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist might ask you questions regarding your symptoms, your history, and conduct other tests, if required. This may include a memory test and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your evaluation, your psychiatrist will draft a report that will outline any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medication. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such maintaining contact with GPs) and any other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer with an appointment from your GP to an individual ADHD assessor. This is a simpler method to identify ADHD in the event that you have the funds to pay for a professional assessment. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance, so it's important to check prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not want to wait to have your condition evaluated by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to seek out private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose path in England, you are legally entitled to choose which healthcare provider to be referred by your GP - so long as they meet NHS standards and aren't more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct an in-depth clinical interview, asking questions about your family and medical history, as in addition to the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to complete self-report questionnaires to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. The results will be used to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD, they will write a personalised treatment plan for you, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
It is important to be aware that when it comes to accessing medications through the NHS in the event of a private diagnosis, many GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement' which allows them to take over your treatment from your private doctor. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the necessary training or knowledge in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
It's important to remember that private assessments and treatments can vary greatly across the UK. The East of England, for example, was found to be the most costly area for both adult ADHD assessments and child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of what you can expect in your local area. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder and, in children, it tends to manifest itself by exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults are susceptible to the irritability and agitation, particularly when they are under stress at work or at home. This can result in an underlying issue being concealed for years before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a great idea to see your GP when, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial evaluation taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you get to your appointment, you'll be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, including how they impact your life. You will be asked about any mental health issues you have had to deal with, as well as family history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing you about any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, since they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do have ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan, which will often include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine, are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These drugs are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be lengthy. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare providers who provide shorter waiting time. Many private providers have been accepted by the NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in adulthood can transform your life. For instance, it can allow you to focus on your career goals and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It also gives you clarity and access to support that you didn't even realize existed. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.