How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. You'll also be asked questions about your family background and general health.
You can also get an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to go if you suspect you or someone else suffers from ADHD. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and ask you to clarify your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that includes medications (if required) and therapy. During this procedure your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and others like family members, teachers or your colleagues. You will be asked to fill out a variety of forms and questionnaires. For example the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare this in advance, to make sure you have it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally bound to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and could face difficulties in obtaining this. If adhd assessment uk online is the case, we recommend printing and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you'll be asked to give an in-depth description of your symptoms and what they cause in various environments, such as school or work. You will also be required to provide examples of times where your symptoms have caused problems and disruption in your life. For adults, this could include childhood incidents.
If you are diagnosed with you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis, you will be able to use it to access support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student allowance at the university and, if needed you can submit a request to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your specific needs, your psychiatrist will also be in a position to refer you to an expert psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to choose
If you're a British citizen you have the option of choosing 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 a healthcare provider that suits your preferences and needs. It's important to understand that the quality of care provided by private healthcare providers may differ. It's important to choose healthcare providers with an established track record of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
Utilizing your Right to Choose when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment can help you bypass long waiting times. On the NHS website you can read more about this. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will aid in getting your GP to approve the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
After you have chosen a healthcare provider the doctor will schedule 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 evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and history and will also conduct additional tests if needed. This could include a memory test, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your evaluation, your psychiatrist will prepare a report to describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will talk about medication when appropriate. They will also discuss your obligations (such a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues that you may be dealing with.
You can also self-refer with an appointment from your GP to a private ADHD assessor. This could be a faster way to diagnose and may be beneficial if you're the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not wish to wait to have your condition assessed by the NHS You may want to seek out 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 - so long as they meet NHS standards and aren't more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough interview with you, asking questions about your medical and family history, as well as the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires to determine how ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. This information will be used to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan for you that could include psychotherapy and medication.
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 a'shared care agreement' where they will take over your management from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the knowledge or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to go down the private path It's worth keeping in mind that the cost of private treatment and assessments aren't the same across the UK. For example, the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both adult and child ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing about 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your area. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternative routes to getting an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults are susceptible to the irritability and agitation, particularly when under pressure at work or home. This could lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea to visit your GP if you think you may have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial examination, gathering information on 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 characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. You will be asked to list any mental health issues that you have had and also your family history of mental illness. It's important to disclose any other comorbid conditions, such as depression or anxiety to the person who is conducting your assessment, since this could cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If how do i get an adhd assessment concludes that you suffer from ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program that includes medications. Stimulants like Venlafaxine, are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers who offer shorter wait times. A number of private healthcare providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in an adult can change your life. For instance, it can enable you to concentrate on your goals for your career and relationships instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to additional assistance that you didn't know was available. If you're an adult and are considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.