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 impact your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers provide the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first port of call is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will want to know about your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. In this process, your psychiatrist will also eliminate other psychological and medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and others, such as family members, teachers or even your friends. You will be required to fill in a variety of forms and questionnaires. For instance, the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. Making this form ahead of time will help you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the procedure. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your life, including at school or work. You will also be required to give examples of times when your symptoms caused problems and disruption in your daily life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD and your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for a shared care agreement. Your GP will be accountable for prescribing any medication you require - and may suggest CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to use it to gain access to support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student allowance at the university and, if necessary you can apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist will also be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to Pick
If you're a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose the person you visit for a healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services such as ADHD evaluations and the option to select the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. It's important to note that the quality and level of care offered by private healthcare providers are not the same. It's important to choose healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing effective 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. Find out more information about this on the NHS website. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in getting your GP to accept the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
After you've selected the right healthcare provider the doctor will schedule an appointment with you. It will most likely be in person, however it is also possible to schedule via video conferencing, depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist might ask you questions about your symptoms, your history, and conduct other tests, if required. This might include an assessment of memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will write a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medication. They will also discuss your responsibilities (such maintaining contact with your GP) and any other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer without an appointment from your GP to an individual ADHD assessor. This could be a more straightforward method to identify ADHD in the event that you have the funds to pay for an assessment by a professional. It's important to check 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 wait to have your condition evaluated by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to go to private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice option in England, you have the legal right to choose which provider be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough medical interview to inquire about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires to determine how ADHD affects your daily life and how it affects your relationships. This information will be used to rule out other mental or physical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan for you that could include medication and psychotherapy.
It is important to be aware that when it comes to accessing medication through the NHS following an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract that allows them to take the care of your private doctor. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't believe that they have the training or experience in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what is best for you.
If you decide to go down the private path It's worth keeping in mind that the costs of private assessments and treatments can differ widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most expensive place for both adult ADHD assessments as well as assessment for children ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20 percent more expensive than the national median. uk adhd assessment can get an idea of the likely expenses for your area by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are alternative routes to getting an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. In adults, it may disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability, especially under stress at work or home. This can result in an underlying problem being masked for a long time before being finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a great idea to visit your GP in the event that you, as an adult, you suspect you might have ADHD. Your GP will start by conducting an initial evaluation and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you to a specialist such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues that you've suffered from and your family history of mental illness. It's important to disclose any other comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression, to the person carrying out your assessment, as this can cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines you suffer from ADHD If he or she determines that you have 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 recommend non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting times. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in adulthood can transform your life. For example, it can help you focus on your career goals and relationships, rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to additional assistance that you didn't knew existed. If you are an adult who is considering the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.