How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also get an ADHD assessment on your own. Some private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first option is usually to go and talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan, including medication (if necessary) and therapy. During this process your psychiatrist will also determine if there are any other medical or mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will request details and will also collect information from other people, such as your teachers, family members, or friends. You may be required to fill out several forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organization's ASRS v1 form. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will make it easier to 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 necessarily knowledgeable about the process and could have difficulties obtaining this. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life, including at school or at work. You will also have to give examples of times when your symptoms led to trouble and disruption in your daily life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP will then be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. He or she may also recommend CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to apply for support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments at the university. If you need to you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from any restrictions on driving. Depending on your needs your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to an expert psychologist who will offer additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a British citizen, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services that include ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that suits your preferences and needs. It is important to understand that the quality of treatment provided by private healthcare providers could vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers with an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment can help you avoid long wait times. On the NHS website you can read more about this. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to accept the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
After you've selected an individual healthcare professional, he or she will make an appointment with you. Most likely, it will be in person, however it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment your psychiatrist will ask you questions about your symptoms, your history, and conduct other tests if needed. This might include a memory test, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your examination, your psychiatrist will write a report that will outline any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will discuss medication if appropriate. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues you may be dealing with.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This is a simpler method of diagnosing ADHD when you have the money to cover a professional assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you do not want to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to seek out private healthcare to have an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choose path in England you are legally entitled to select which company to be referred by your GP - so long as they meet NHS criteria and are not more costly than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct an in-depth interview with you, asking questions about your medical and family history as along with 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 utilize this information to rule out any other mental or medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine you have ADHD then a customized plan of treatment will be developed specifically for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it's important to remember 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). They don't believe they have the expertise or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the most expensive area for both adult ADHD assessments as well as child ADHD consultations. Going In this article for follow-up were about 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator can give you an idea of the costs you can expect in your local area. However, 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 neuro-developmental disorder, so in children, it tends to manifest itself as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. Adults are susceptible to irritability and restlessness, particularly when they are under stress at work or at home. This can result in an underlying problem being masked for a long time, before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a great idea to see your GP in the event that you, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial examination and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you show up for your appointment, you'll be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, and how they impact your life. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues you've experienced and also your family history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing you about any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, as they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines you suffer from ADHD, he or she will recommend a treatment plan which will include medication. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD, but it's also possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs aren't addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. Private providers are often accepted by the NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. For instance, it can allow you to focus on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to support that you didn't have access to. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.