How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS evaluation medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. You'll be asked questions about your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment 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 suffers from ADHD the first option is usually to go and talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns very seriously and will ask you to explain your symptoms. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The doctor will examine and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. In this process, your psychiatrist will also eliminate other psychological and medical issues that can trigger similar symptoms. They will ask for details and will also collect information from other people, such as your teachers, family members, or friends. You may be asked to fill out various forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organisation's ASRS Form v1. Suggested Website is a good idea to prepare this in advance, so that you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and may have difficulties in obtaining this. If this is the case, we recommend printing and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it by clicking here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you'll be asked to provide a detailed description of your symptoms as well as the issues they are causing in different settings, such as at school or work. You will be asked to give examples of how your symptoms led you to experience problems and disturbances in your daily life. This includes childhood experiences for adults.
If your diagnosis shows that you have ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a formal request for an agreement on shared care. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications 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, such as Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at university. If you need to you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from restrictions on driving. Your psychiatrist may also refer you to a psychologist who can provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to Pick
If you're a citizen of the UK you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD assessments, and you can choose the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. It's important to know that the quality of the care provided by private healthcare providers could vary. This is the reason it's essential to investigate and select health care providers with experience in offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you're getting an ADHD assessment will allow you to avoid long wait times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will help you get your GP to accept the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
Once you have chosen your healthcare provider they will schedule an appointment for you. It is likely to be in person, however it can also be conducted via video conference depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, your history, and conduct other tests if needed. This could include a memory check as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will write a report that will outline any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medication. They will also discuss your obligations (such a keeping in touch with GPs) and any other health issues that you may be dealing with.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without any referral from your GP. This can be a quicker method of diagnosis and could be beneficial if you're the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you don't want to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to go to private healthcare to have an assessment. Under the 'Right to choose" procedure in England it is your legal right to choose which company to refer by your GP in the event that they meet NHS specifications and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct an in-depth interview with you, asking questions about your medical and family background as well as the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to fill out self-report questionnaires which assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then use this information to rule out other mental or medical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that may include psychotherapy and medication.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that most GPs will refuse to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' in which they will assume your care from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't feel that they have the training or experience in ADHD medication to to make informed decisions about what is most appropriate for you.
If you choose to take the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the price of private assessments and treatment aren't the same across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both child and adult ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing around 20% more than the national average. You can get a rough estimate of the probable costs for your specific location by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you don't want to pay for private healthcare there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. In adults, it can mask itself with irritability or restlessness, especially under stress at work or home. This can lead to an underlying problem being masked for years before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
For this reason, it's an excellent idea to see your GP If you suspect you might have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial evaluation taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. 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 at the time of your appointment. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues you've had and also your family history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, to the person who is conducting your assessment, since it can create confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do suffer from ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment plan that will usually include medication. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These drugs aren't addictive and can be helpful in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare providers who offer shorter wait periods. In fact, a lot of private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis at the age of an adult can have a profound impact on your life. For instance, it could help you focus on your career goals and relationships, rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you clarity and access to support that you did not have access to. If you're an adult who is contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.