How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS evaluation, medical professionals ask you questions about your health issues and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also get an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to go if you suspect you or someone else has ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan, including medications (if required) and therapy. Your doctor will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and other, such as family members, teachers or friends. You will be required to fill out a range of forms and questionnaires. For instance 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 has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the procedure. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
When you go to your appointment, you will be asked to provide an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they cause in various situations, like at school or work. You will be asked to give instances of when your symptoms have caused you to face problems or disruptions in your life. For adults, this may include incidents from childhood.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. They may also recommend CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis you will be able to gain access to support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student allowance at the university and, if necessary you should submit a request 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 can advise you on additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a British citizen, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS provides a variety of services including ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that suits your preferences and needs. It's important to note that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare professionals can vary. This is why it's important to find and select health care providers with an established track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting times by exercising your right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. You can find out more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will help your GP to accept your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
Once you have selected an individual healthcare professional and have chosen a doctor, they will make an appointment with you. It is likely to be in-person, but it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD examination your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and past history, and will conduct other tests as needed. This might include a memory test, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will then write a report that will outline any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will talk about medication when appropriate. They will also be able to talk to you about your obligations (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer without a referral from your GP to an individual ADHD assessor. This can be a quicker way to diagnose and may be helpful if you're in the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think that your symptoms of ADHD are having a major impact on your life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it might be worth seeking out private healthcare to receive an assessment. Under the "Right to choose" process in England you have the legal right to decide which company to refer by your GP in the event that they satisfy NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview to ask you questions about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires that assess how ADHD affects your daily functioning and how it affects your relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine you have ADHD then a customized plan of treatment will be formulated specifically for you. how to get adhd assessment uk may include psychotherapy or medication.
When it comes to accessing 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' where they will assume your care from your private clinician (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 informed decisions about what's best for you.
If you decide to go down the private option, it's worth bearing in mind that the price of private treatment and assessments aren't the same 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 the costs you can expect in your area. However, if you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't a viable option 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 usually manifests as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. In adults, it may disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under pressure at home or work. This could lead to an underlying issue being concealed for a long time before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
This is why it's an excellent idea to see your GP If you suspect you might have 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, like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they impact your daily life. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues that you have had and also your family history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing your case about any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, as they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD, he or she will suggest a treatment program that will include medication. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD However, it's possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs aren't addictive and can be helpful in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, even though waiting times can be long. You can also opt for private healthcare providers who have shorter waiting times. A number of private healthcare providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis at the age of an adult can have a profound impact on your life. For instance, it can allow you to focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It also gives you clarity and access to support that you did not know existed. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if you are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.