How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide 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 usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to clarify your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for assessment.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan, which includes medications (if necessary) and therapy. During this procedure your psychiatrist will also determine if there are any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and other such as family members, teachers or even your friends. You might be asked to complete various forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organisation's ASRS v1 form. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will help 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 recommend that you print off and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it by clicking here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you will be required to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms and the problems they are causing in different settings, such as at school or at work. You will also have to provide examples of instances when your symptoms have caused disruption and trouble in your life. For adults, this could include childhood incidents.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may submit paperwork to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your GP will then be accountable for prescribing any medication you require. He or she may also suggest CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to apply for support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments to your university. If necessary you could also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from restrictions on driving. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who can offer additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see for a healthcare professional. This is called the "Right to Choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services that include ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. It's important to understand that the quality of services offered by private healthcare providers could differ. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have a proven track record in 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. You can learn more about this right 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 you get your GP to approve the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you've selected your health care provider they will schedule an appointment for you. Most likely, it will be in person, however it can also be done via video conferencing depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist might ask you questions about your symptoms, your history and conduct tests if necessary. This might include a memory test and a symptom checklist and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your evaluation your psychiatrist will then prepare a report to detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will talk about the appropriate medication. They will also be able to talk with you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer with the need for a referral from your doctor to a private ADHD assessor. This could be a more straightforward method to identify ADHD if you have the funds to pay for an assessment from a professional. It's important to check with your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not want to wait to have your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to seek out private healthcare for an assessment. Under the "Right to choose" process in England you have the legal right to choose which provider to consult with your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview to inquire about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires that assess the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and how it affects your relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD then a customized treatment plan will be written specifically for you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it is important to know that the majority of GPs will not sign something called a 'shared care agreement' where they will manage your treatment from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the knowledge or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If in the know decide to take the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of private assessments and treatment can differ widely across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both children and adults ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing about 20 percent more than the national average. You can get a rough idea of the likely costs for your particular location by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't feasible for you, there are alternatives to get an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. In adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under stress at work or home. This could lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before finally being addressed.
For this reason, it's an excellent idea to see your GP If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial evaluation, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, like psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you come to your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you have experienced in the past, as well as your family's history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, to the person who is conducting your assessment, as it can create confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do suffer from ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan which may include medication. Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD However, it's possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that provide shorter wait periods. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood can have life-changing consequences. It can help you focus on your relationships and career rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you the clarity and support that you did not have access to. If you're an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.