How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You'll be asked about your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also have an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should go if you suspect that you or someone else suffers from ADHD. 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 a diagnosis.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan, including medication (if required) and therapy. In this process, your doctor will also identify other psychological and medical issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for details and will also collect information from other people, such as your teachers, family members or even your friends. You might be asked to complete various forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organization's ASRS version 1 form. It is recommended to prepare this in advance to ensure you have it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and could have difficulties obtaining this. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
If you attend your appointment, you will be asked to give a detailed description of your symptoms as well as the issues they cause in various environments, such as school or at work. You will also have to give examples of times when your symptoms have led to trouble and disruption in your life. For adults, this could include incidents from childhood.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP will then be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. adhd assessment cost may also suggest CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to apply for support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to your university. If you need to, you can also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from any restrictions on driving. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist who will 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 who you see as a healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services that include ADHD assessments and the option to select the right healthcare provider to meet your needs and preferences. It's important to note that the quality and care offered by private healthcare providers are not the same. It is important to select healthcare providers who have demonstrated track records of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment will allow you to avoid long wait times. You can learn more information about this on the NHS website. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
After you've selected an individual healthcare professional the doctor will make an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it can also be done through video conferencing based on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment, your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and background and will also conduct additional tests as required. This might include a memory test as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your evaluation, your psychiatrist will write a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medications when appropriate. They can also discuss your obligations (such maintaining contact with GPs) and any other health issues that you may be dealing with.
Alternately, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This is a faster way to diagnose and may be beneficial if you're a situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. However, a private healthcare provider might not be covered by your insurance, therefore it's crucial to confirm prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your symptoms of ADHD are having a major impact on your life, and you don't wish to wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it could be worthwhile looking into private healthcare to receive an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose path in England, you have the legal right to choose which provider be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS requirements 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 medical and family history, as along with the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to complete self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. This information will be used to rule out other psychological or medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be written specifically for you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that a majority of GPs will not sign something called a 'shared care agreement' in which they will manage your treatment from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). They don't believe they have the expertise or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to go down the private option it's important to keep in mind that the price of private assessments and treatment aren't the same across the UK. For instance 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. You can get a rough idea of the likely expenses for your location by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't feasible for you, there are some alternatives to get an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. However, for adults, it is possible to disguise itself with irritability or restlessness especially when under stress at work or home. This can lead to an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist for a number of years before it's finally addressed.
It's an excellent idea to see your GP in the event that you think you might have ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment taking notes on your symptoms as well as your medical background. The GP will then refer you to a specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at the time of your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues that you've had to deal with in the past, as well as your family's history of mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person who is assessing you of any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, since they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program that includes medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are among the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medications, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are non-addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers who offer shorter wait time. Private providers are often accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood can have life-changing consequences. For instance, it could enable you to concentrate on your career goals and relationships, rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to other assistance that you didn't know was available. If you're an adult and are considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.