How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll also be asked questions about your family history and general health.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, your first step is to talk to your GP. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will want to know about your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
This clinic will evaluate and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication, if necessary. During this process, your psychiatrist will also determine if there are any other medical or psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for details and will also collect information from others such as your family, teachers, or friends. You will be asked to fill out a variety of forms and questionnaires. For instance the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, so that you bring it with you to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the process. If this is the case, we recommend that you print and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you'll be asked to give 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 also be expected to provide examples of times where your symptoms have caused problems and disruption in your life. This includes childhood experiences for adults.
If your diagnosis shows that you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a formal request for a shared care agreement. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medication you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to your university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from any restrictions on driving. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to an expert psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to pick
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, including ADHD assessment, and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. However, it's important to understand that the quality of the care provided by private healthcare providers can vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have a proven track record in providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can cut down on long waiting times by using your Right to choose when you get 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 explaining the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to accept the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you've selected your health care provider They will make an appointment for you. Most likely, it will be in person, however it is also possible to schedule through video conferencing based on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation, your psychiatrist may ask you questions about your symptoms, your history and conduct additional tests, if required. This could include a memory test as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will then prepare a report to detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They can also talk about your obligations (such a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer without the need for a referral from your doctor to an independent ADHD assessor. This can be a quicker way to diagnose and may be helpful if you're in the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. However the private healthcare provider might not be covered by your insurance plan, therefore it's crucial to confirm that before making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it could be worth looking into private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose path in England, you have the legal right to choose which healthcare provider to be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS criteria and are not more costly than the NHS would be.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough interview to inquire about your medical background, family history, and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to fill out self-reporting forms that evaluate how ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. They will then use this information to rule out any other mental or medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that could include medication and psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that a majority of GPs aren't willing to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' in which they will manage your treatment from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They don't think they have the experience or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to take the private route, it's worth bearing in mind that the price of private assessments and treatments aren't the same across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both children and adults ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator can give you an idea of what to expect in your region. If you don't want pay for private healthcare There are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it may disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability especially when under pressure at work or home. This can lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a great idea to visit your GP in the event that you are an adult and you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will start by conducting an initial examination taking notes on your symptoms and medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you come to your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you've had to deal with in the past, as well as your family's history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any other comorbid conditions, such as depression or anxiety, to the person carrying out the assessment, as this can cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines you have ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will suggest a treatment plan which will include medications. The most popular stimulants are medications used to treat ADHD, but it's also possible that they will recommend non-stimulant drugs 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 diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that provide shorter wait periods. In fact, a lot of private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult could have life-changing implications. For assessments for adhd , it can allow you to focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you confidence and access to help that you didn't even know existed. If you're an adult and are considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.