How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS examination, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. You'll be asked questions about your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Certain private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, your first option is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this procedure your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you as well as other people like family members, teachers or friends. adhd assessments might be asked to fill out various forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organization's ASRS version 1 form. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, to make sure you bring it with you to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the procedure. If this is the case, we suggest printing and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your daily life whether at work or school. You will be asked to list examples when your symptoms caused you to experience problems and disturbances in your daily life. This includes childhood experiences for adults.
If you are diagnosed with you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a formal request for an agreement on shared care. Your GP is then accountable for prescribing any medication you require - and may suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to apply for support services like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments to your university. If assessed for adhd need to you could also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist can also refer you to a psychologist who could offer additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to Choose
If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to for a healthcare professional. This is known as the "Right to choose". The NHS provides a variety of services, including ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It is crucial to be aware that the quality of care provided by private healthcare providers could vary. This is the reason it's essential to find and select healthcare providers who have an established track record of offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting times by using your Right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will help you get your GP to sign off on the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
Once you have chosen your health care provider they will schedule an appointment for you. Most likely, it will be in-person, but it can also be done via video conferencing depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD examination the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and history as well as conduct other tests if needed. This could include a memory check and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report after your assessment that will outline any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medications as appropriate. They can also talk about your responsibilities (such a keeping in touch with GPs) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer with a referral from your GP to an individual ADHD assessor. This can be an easier method of diagnosing ADHD in the event that you have the funds to cover a professional assessment. It's important to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not wish to delay getting your condition assessed by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to contact private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice path in England, you are legally entitled to select which company to be referred by your GP provided that they meet NHS standards and aren't more costly than the NHS would be.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking questions about your medical and family history as well as the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to complete self-report questionnaires which assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then analyze the results to rule out other mental or physical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be formulated for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
It's important to understand that when it comes to accessing medications through the NHS in the event of a private diagnosis, most GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement' which allows them to take over your treatment from your private doctor. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the necessary training or knowledge in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most suitable for you.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can differ greatly across the UK. For example, the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both child and adult ADHD assessments, with follow-up appointments costing 20% more than the national average. You can get a rough idea of the expected costs for your particular location by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare, there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder which is why in children it is often manifested by exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behavior. In adults, it may disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability, especially under stress at home or at work. This can lead to an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before finally being addressed.
This is why it's recommended to see your GP in the event that you think you may have ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial evaluation taking notes on your symptoms as well as your medical background. The doctor will then refer you to a specialist, such as a 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 explain any mental health issues you've had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing you about any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, as they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan which may include medications. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are non-addictive and can help you manage 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 opt for private healthcare providers who offer shorter wait periods. 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 as an adult can transform your life. For instance, it could help you focus on your career goals and relationships, rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to other support you didn't have access to. If you're an adult who is contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.