How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS examination, medical professionals ask you questions about your health issues 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 assessment 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 step is to talk to your GP. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to describe your symptoms. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
This clinic will evaluate and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. In this process, your psychiatrist will also eliminate other medical and psychological conditions that can trigger similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and other like family members, teachers or your colleagues. You will be required to fill out a range of forms and questionnaires. For example the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. Preparing this form in advance will help you remember to bring 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 always familiar with the process and could have difficulty making this happen. If this is the case, we recommend that you print off and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
When you go to your assessment, you'll be asked to give a detailed description of your symptoms and what they cause in various settings, such as at school or at work. You will be asked to provide instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and interruptions in your life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may submit paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medications you require - and may suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
After you have received your diagnosis you will 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 should apply to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to a specialist 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 called the "Right to choose". The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. It's important to understand that the quality of the treatment provided by private healthcare providers could vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have a proven track record in providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Using your Right to Choose when you are getting an ADHD assessment can help you bypass long waiting times. adhd assessment cost can learn more information about this on the NHS website. You can also print and download an email 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 selected your doctor, they will book an appointment for you. This will likely be in person, however it can be done via video conference depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD examination the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and history and will also conduct additional tests if needed. This may include a memory test, a symptom list, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report following your examination which will detail any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will talk about the appropriate medications. They may also speak to you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer with a referral from your GP to an independent ADHD assessor. This could be a faster route to diagnosis and may be helpful if you're in the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms affect your life and you do not want to delay getting your condition assessed by the NHS, you may wish to contact private healthcare to have an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose option in England, you have the legal right to choose which healthcare provider to be referred by your GP in the event that they meet NHS standards and aren't more costly than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough interview to ask questions about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to fill out self-report questionnaires which assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. This information is used to rule out any other mental or physical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will then write a personalised treatment plan for you, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it is important to know that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a'shared care agreement' that states they will assume your care from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). They don't believe they have the expertise or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to go down the private route It's worth keeping in mind that the cost of private treatment and assessments can differ widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the most costly area for both adult ADHD assessments and assessment for children ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of what you can expect in your region. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are alternatives to get an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder and, in children, it is often manifested as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. In adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability, especially under stress at home or work. This can result in an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before it is finally addressed.
It's an excellent idea to see your GP if you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you come to your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you have experienced and your family history of mental illness. It is important to discuss any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, to the person carrying out the assessment, as this could cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan which may include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant medications, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting periods. Many private providers have been approved by NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in an adult can change your life. For instance, it can help you focus on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to other assistance that you didn't know was available. If you're an adult and are considering the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.