How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS evaluation medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.
You can also get 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, your first option is usually to go and talk to your GP. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will want to know about your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. In this process, your psychiatrist will also eliminate other psychological and medical issues that can trigger similar symptoms. They will collect information from you as well as other people, such as teachers, family members 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. Preparing this form in advance will help you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the procedure. If this is the case, we suggest that you print and give to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life whether at school or at work. You will be asked to list examples of how your symptoms led you to face problems or disturbances in your daily life. For adults, this will include instances from childhood.
If your diagnosis indicates that you have ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement. Your physician is accountable for prescribing all medications, and may suggest CBT therapy in order to treat your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to request support services, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from any restrictions on driving. Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist will also be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to pick
If you're a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to for a healthcare professional. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS provides a variety of services, including ADHD assessment and assessment of ADHD, and you can choose the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality and care offered by private healthcare providers can vary. It's important to choose healthcare providers who have an established track record 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 get through 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 explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your healthcare provider They will make an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your doctor will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and background, and will conduct other tests as needed. This could include a memory test, a symptom list, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will then write a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medications if appropriate. They can also talk about your responsibilities (such keeping in contact with your GP) and any other health issues you may be dealing with.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This could be a more straightforward method to identify ADHD in the event that you have the funds to cover an assessment by a professional. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance, therefore it's crucial to confirm that prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you do not wish to wait to have your condition assessed by the NHS You may want to contact private healthcare to have an assessment. Under the "Right To Choose" procedure in England, it is your legal right to choose which company to refer by your GP – as long as they meet NHS requirements and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical interview to inquire about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to answer self-report questions which assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you have ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that could include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it is important to know that most GPs will not sign a "shared care agreement' in which they will manage your treatment from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't feel that they have the training or expertise in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what is most suitable for you.
If you decide to take the private route It's worth keeping in mind that the price of private assessments and treatment aren't the same across the UK. The East of England, for example, was found to be the most costly location for both adult ADHD assessments and children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your region. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't feasible for you, there are some alternative routes to getting an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition which is why in children it is often manifested by exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behavior. However, for adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability particularly when under stress at home or at work. This can result in an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for a number of years before it's finally addressed.
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 about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you come to your appointment. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues that you've experienced and also your family history of mental illness. It is important to tell the person who is assessing you of any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD They will recommend a treatment plan, which will often include medication. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, even though waiting times can be lengthy. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting periods. In fact, a lot of private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in an adult can alter your life. For example, it can allow you to focus on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you confidence and access to help that you did not have access to. If adhd assessment cost are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.