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 about your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first port of call is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will want to know about your symptoms. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication, if necessary. During this process your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you as well as other people, such as teachers, family members, or friends. You may be asked to fill out several forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organization's ASRS version 1 form. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will help you keep track of it and bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally bound to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and may have difficulty making this happen. If this is the case, we recommend that you print off and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life whether at work or school. You will be asked to provide examples of how your symptoms led you to experience problems and disturbances in your daily life. For adults, this may include incidents from childhood.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD and your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medications you require - and may suggest CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis, you will be able to use it to avail support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university and, if needed you can make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to an expert psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to choose
If you're a citizen of the UK you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services, including ADHD assessment, and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. However, it's crucial to be aware that the quality of the services offered by private healthcare providers can vary. This is why it's important to research and choose healthcare providers with a track record of offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can cut down on long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. You can 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 which explains the Right to Choose process. This will aid in getting your GP to accept the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
Once you have chosen your doctor, they will book an appointment for you. This will likely be in person, but can also be conducted via video call depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and past history and will also conduct additional tests as needed. This could include a memory check and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report after your assessment that will outline any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medication. They can also discuss your obligations (such keeping in contact with GPs) and any other health issues that you might have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This is a simpler way to diagnose ADHD when you have the money to cover an assessment by a professional. 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 life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to determine the severity of your condition, it might be worth looking into private healthcare to get an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose' pathway in England, you are legally entitled to choose which provider be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS standards and aren't more costly than the NHS is.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview to ask questions about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to answer self-report questions that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. The results will be used to rule out any other mental or physical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine you have ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be developed specifically for you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
It's important to know that when it comes to accessing medications through the NHS in the event of a private diagnosis, many GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement that allows them to take the care of your private clinician. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. They do not believe they have the knowledge or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to go down the private route It's worth keeping in mind that the costs of private treatment and assessments aren't the same across the UK. For instance the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both child and adult ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing around 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of what you can expect in your area. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternatives to obtaining an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. In adults, it is possible to disguise itself with irritability or restlessness especially when under stress at home or at work. This can result in the root of the problem being hidden for years before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's recommended to see your GP if you think you may have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you come to your appointment. You will be asked to list any mental health issues that you have had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is essential to disclose any other comorbid conditions, such as depression or anxiety, to the person who is conducting your assessment, since it can create confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will suggest a treatment program which will include medication. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD, but it's also possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be long. online adhd assessment I Am Psychiatry can also opt for private healthcare providers that offer shorter wait times. In fact, many private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis at the age of an adult could have life-changing implications. For instance, it could enable you to concentrate on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to other assistance that you didn't know was available. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.