How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS evaluation medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. You'll be asked questions about your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation 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 suffers from ADHD, your first step is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The clinic will assess and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this process, your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will request information and also gather information from others such as your family, teachers, or friends. You will be required to fill in 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 to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the procedure. If this is the case, we recommend that you print off and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it by clicking here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life, including at school or at work. You will also be required to give examples of times when your symptoms have caused problems and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this could include incidents from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP is then accountable for prescribing any medication you require - and may suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments to your university. If you need to you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist will also be capable of referring you to an expert psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to Pick
If you're a resident of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to for a healthcare professional. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services such as ADHD evaluations and the option to select the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. It is important to remember that the quality of care and treatment provided by private healthcare professionals can vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can cut down on long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website you can read 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 help your GP to accept your referral to a private ADHD assessor.
After you have chosen a healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will make an appointment with you. It is likely to be in-person, but it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and past history and will also conduct additional tests as required. This might include tests for memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report after your assessment that will provide a detailed explanation of any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medication if appropriate. They will also be able to talk with you about your obligations (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues you might have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This is a simpler way to diagnose ADHD if you have the funds to cover an assessment by a professional. However it is possible that a private health provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, so it's important to check prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your daily life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it could be worth taking advantage of private healthcare for an assessment. Under the 'Right to Choose" pathway in England it is your legal right to decide which company to refer by your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare provider will conduct an in-depth interview with you, asking questions about your medical and family background as well as the severity of your symptoms. adhd assessments uk will also be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires that assess how ADHD affects your daily functioning and how it affects your relationships. They will then use this information to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
It is important to be aware that when you're seeking medication through the NHS following a private diagnosis, many GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract which permits them to take over your treatment from your private doctor. This is true even for ADHD tablets. They don't believe they have the expertise or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments may differ greatly across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both adult and child ADHD assessments, with follow-up appointments costing around 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of the costs you can expect in your region. If you don't want pay for private healthcare, there are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, for adults, it may disguise itself with irritability or restlessness particularly when under pressure at home or at work. This can result in an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist for many years before it is finally addressed.
For this reason, it's an excellent idea to see your GP if you think you may have ADHD as an adult. adhd assessment uk will begin by conducting an initial evaluation, gathering information on your symptoms as well as your medical background. The GP will then refer you 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, as well as how they affect your daily life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues that you've experienced in the past, as well as your family history of mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person who is assessing you of any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, as they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program that will include medication. 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 drugs are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. You can also opt for private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting periods. In fact, many private healthcare providers are endorsed 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 example, it can allow you to focus on your career goals and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to additional support you didn't know was available. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.