How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment, 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 and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment on your own. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to go if you suspect that you or someone else suffers from ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns very seriously and will ask you to explain your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic assessment.
The clinic will assess and manage your symptoms, which may include therapy and medication, if necessary. In this process, your doctor will also identify other psychological and medical issues that can trigger similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and other like teachers, family members, or your colleagues. You will probably be asked to complete several forms or questionnaires, like 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 obliged to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they are not necessarily familiar with the process and may have difficulties obtaining this. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
When you go to your assessment, you will be asked to provide an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different environments, such as school or work. You will be asked to provide examples of how your symptoms led you to have problems and disturbances in your daily life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If your diagnosis shows that you have ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a formal request for a shared care agreement. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications. They may also suggest CBT therapy in order to treat your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments to your university. If necessary, you can also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from any restrictions on driving. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist who will provide additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to pick
If you're a resident of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to for a healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services including ADHD assessment, and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. However, it's important to understand that the quality of services offered by private healthcare providers can vary. This is why it's crucial to investigate and select healthcare providers with experience in providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. Find out more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you've selected your healthcare provider, they will book an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it could also be done via video conference in accordance with your situation. During the ADHD examination, your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and history and will also conduct additional tests as required. This could include an assessment of memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will then write a report that will outline any diagnosis and recommend next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They can also 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 with the need for a referral from your doctor to a private ADHD assessor. This can be a quicker way to diagnose and may be beneficial if you're in the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. However it is possible that a private health provider might not be covered by your insurance, therefore it's crucial to confirm that prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your daily life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it may be worth seeking out private healthcare to receive an assessment. Under the "Right to Choose" pathway in England, it is your legal right to choose which healthcare provider to refer to your GP in the event that they satisfy NHS requirements and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview to ask you questions about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to complete self-report questionnaires to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. The results will be used to rule out other medical or psychological conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD then a customized 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 following an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract' which allows them to take control of your treatment from your private physician. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. They don't think they have the experience or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to take the private route It's worth keeping in mind that the costs of private assessments and treatment can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the costliest location for both adult ADHD assessments as well as assessment for children ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than national median. You can get an idea of the expected expenses for your location by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Adults are susceptible to the irritability and agitation, particularly when they are under pressure at work or home. This can lead to an underlying problem being masked for a long time, before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea to see your GP when you are an adult and you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you to a specialist like psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, including how they affect your life. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues that you've had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing your case about any comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety, as they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment plan which will include medications. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they will recommend non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs aren't addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be lengthy. You can also select private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. In fact, many private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD as an adult can transform your life. For instance, it could allow you to focus on your career goals and relationships, rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to other support you didn't know was available. If cheap adhd assessment 're an adult who is considering the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.