How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS evaluation, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD The first option is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and ask you to clarify your symptoms. The GP will then refer you to an ADHD clinic assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan, which includes medication (if necessary) and therapy. During assessment of adhd will also identify any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you as well as other people such as teachers, family members or even your friends. You will probably be required to fill out various forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organization's ASRS Form v1. It is a good idea to prepare this in advance, to make sure you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the process. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and give to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
When you go to your assessment, you will be asked to give an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they are causing in different environments, such as school or work. You will also be expected to provide examples of instances where your symptoms have caused problems and disruption in your life. For adults, this could include instances from childhood.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your physician is accountable for prescribing all medications. They may also suggest CBT therapy to 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 necessary you could also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from any restrictions on driving. Depending on your 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 Pick
If you're a citizen of the UK, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services, including ADHD evaluations and the option to select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It's important to know that the quality of the care provided by private healthcare providers can differ. It's important to choose healthcare providers with a proven track record in providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you are getting an ADHD assessment can help you bypass long waiting times. You can find out more about this right 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 help your GP to accept your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
After you have selected your doctor They will make an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, but can also be conducted via video call depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist might ask you questions regarding your symptoms, your history and conduct tests if needed. This might include a memory test and a symptom checklist and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will then draft a report that will outline any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They can also talk about your responsibilities (such a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer without the need for a referral from your doctor to an individual ADHD assessor. This could be a more straightforward way to diagnose ADHD in the event that you have the funds to cover a professional assessment. It is important to inquire with your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you do not want to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to seek out private healthcare for an assessment. Under the "Right to choose" procedure in England it is your legal right to choose which company to refer by your GP in the event that they satisfy NHS requirements and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview to inquire about your medical background, family history, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to fill out self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then use this information to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will create a personalised treatment plan for you that could include medication and psychotherapy.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it's important to remember that most GPs will refuse to sign a'shared care agreement' where they will assume your care from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They don't believe they have the knowledge or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to take the private option It's worth keeping in mind that the price of private assessments and treatments can vary widely across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both child and adult ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing 20 percent more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of what you can expect in your area. 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 a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests itself in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. In adults, it can mask its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness, especially under stress at home or work. This can result in an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist over many years before it is finally addressed.
This is why it's an excellent idea to see your GP if you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment 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 describe your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you come to your appointment. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues you've had and also your family history of mental illness. It is important to discuss any comorbidities such as depression or anxiety, to the person who is conducting the assessment, as this can cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do suffer from ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan, which will often include medications. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD, but it's also possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs aren't addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be long. You can also opt for private healthcare providers that have shorter wait time. In fact, many private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in an adult can alter your life. It can assist you in focusing on your career and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also give you the clarity and support that you didn't even have access to. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.