How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS examination medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You'll be asked about your family history as well as your general health and 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 the first step is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to clarify your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for assessment.
The clinic will assess and manage your symptoms, which may include therapy and medication, if necessary. During this procedure, 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 like family members, teachers or even your friends. You might be required to fill out a number of forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organization's ASRS v1 form. It is a good idea to prepare this form in advance, so that you bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they are not necessarily familiar with the process and may have difficulties obtaining this. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
If you attend your assessment, you will be required to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms and the problems they cause in various environments, such as school or work. You will also be required to provide examples of times when your symptoms led to trouble and disruption in your daily 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 form for a shared care agreement. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications and may also recommend CBT therapy in order to manage your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis you will be able to use it to gain access to support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university and, if necessary you should make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist may be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to pick
If you're a British citizen, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services such as ADHD assessments and you can select the right healthcare provider to meet your preferences and needs. It's crucial to be aware that the quality of treatment provided by private healthcare providers may differ. It's important to choose healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid 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 download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will help you get your GP to approve the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you have selected an individual healthcare professional the doctor will book an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it could also be done via video conference depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment the doctor will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests if needed. This could include a memory test as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report after your assessment which will detail any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will talk about medication when appropriate. They may also speak with you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues you might have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This is a simpler way to diagnose ADHD in the event that you have the funds to pay for an assessment from a professional. It is important to inquire with your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your ADHD symptoms affect your life and you don't want to wait for a time to have your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to seek out private healthcare to have 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 provided that they meet NHS criteria and are not more expensive than the NHS would be.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough medical interview to ask questions about your medical background, family history, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to complete self-report questionnaires to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. This information will be used to rule out other mental or physical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD A personalised plan of treatment will be developed specifically for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it's important to remember that the majority of GPs will not sign a "shared care agreement' in which they will manage your treatment from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the training or knowledge in ADHD medication to to make informed decisions about what is most suitable for you.
If book adhd assessment decide to go down the private option It's worth keeping in mind that the price of private assessments and treatment aren't the same across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the costliest location for both adult ADHD assessments and assessment for children ADHD consultations. Consultations for follow-up were about 20% more expensive than the national median. You can get a rough idea of the expected costs for your specific location by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. However, if you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are alternative routes to getting an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests 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 result in an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for many years before it's finally addressed.
For this reason, it's an excellent idea to see your GP in the event that you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial evaluation, gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you show up for your appointment, you will be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, including how they impact your daily life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues that you have had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to discuss any comorbidities like depression or anxiety to the person conducting your assessment, since this can cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you do have ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment plan, which will often include medication. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD However, it's possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant medicines like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. Private providers are often accepted by the NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in an adult can transform your life. It can allow you to focus on your career and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to support that you did not know existed. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.