How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS evaluation, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, your first option is to speak to your GP. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will ask you to describe your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. Your doctor will also identify other medical and psychological conditions which can cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and others such as teachers, family members, or friends. You will be required to fill out a variety of forms and questionnaires. For example, the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare this in advance to ensure you bring it to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the procedure. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and give to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your life whether at work or school. You will be asked to provide instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and disruptions in your life. For adults, this will include instances from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications, and may suggest CBT therapy to treat your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis, you will be able to use it to gain access to support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if needed you should submit a request to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist can also refer you to a psychologist who can provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to Choose
If you're a citizen of the UK you are able to choose your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD assessment and assessment of ADHD, and you can choose the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It is important to remember that the quality and level of care offered by private healthcare providers are not the same. This is why it's crucial to research and choose healthcare providers who have 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 will receive an ADHD assessment. Find out more about this right on the NHS website. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to accept the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you have chosen your health care provider They will make an appointment for you. It is likely to be in-person, but it can also be done through video conferencing based on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation, your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and past history and will also conduct additional tests as required. This could include a memory check, a symptom list, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a comprehensive report following your evaluation that will outline any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will talk about medication if appropriate. They will also discuss your obligations (such keeping in contact with your GP) and any other health issues that you might have.
You can also self-refer without the need for a referral from your doctor to an independent ADHD assessor. This can be a quicker method of diagnosis and could be beneficial if you're the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's important to check with your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your daily life, and you don't wish to wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it could be worth seeking out private healthcare to get an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choose option in England, you have the legal right to select which company to be referred by your GP provided that they meet NHS criteria and are not more expensive than the NHS would be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview to inquire about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to fill out self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. The results will be used to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be developed specifically for you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it's important to note that the majority of GPs will not sign a'shared care agreement' in which they will assume your care from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). This is due to the fact that they don't believe they have the education or experience in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
If you decide to go down the private option it's important to keep in mind that the cost of private assessments and treatment aren't the same across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the costliest place for both adult ADHD assessments and child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20 percent more expensive than national median. Our ADHD cost calculator can give you an idea of what you can expect in your area. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are alternative routes to getting an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition and, in children, it is often manifested with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. However, for adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under pressure at home or at work. This could lead to an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist for a number of years before it is finally addressed.
It's an excellent idea to see your GP If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial assessment, gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will then refer you on to a specialist like psychiatrist or psychologist.
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 experienced, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It's important to disclose any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, to the person who is conducting your assessment, since this could cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will suggest a treatment plan that will include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant medications, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. how do i get an adhd assessment aren't addictive and can be helpful in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be lengthy. You can also pick private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. A number of private healthcare providers have been approved by NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult can have life-changing consequences. It can allow you to focus on your work and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also give you the clarity and support that you didn't even have access to. If you are an adult and are considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.