How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS assessment, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. You'll be asked about your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should visit if you suspect that you or someone else has ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this process your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for details and will also collect information from other people, such as your teachers, family members, or friends. You will be asked to fill out a variety of questionnaires and forms. For example, the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. Preparing this form in advance will make it easier to remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the process. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
If you attend your assessment, you'll be asked to provide a detailed description of your symptoms as well as the issues they cause in various situations, like at school or work. You will be asked to provide examples of how your symptoms led you to face problems or interruptions in your life. For adults, this may include childhood incidents.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. They may also recommend CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
After you have received your diagnosis you will be able to use it to avail assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university, and if appropriate you can make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Depending on adhd assessment price will be able to refer you to an expert psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to Pick
If you're a citizen of the UK, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services, including 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 of care and treatment offered by private healthcare providers will differ. This is the reason it's essential to investigate and select healthcare providers who have experience in providing effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid lengthy waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. You can find out more information on this right here 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 help you get your GP to accept the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
Once you've selected your healthcare provider, they will book an appointment for you. It is likely to be in-person, but it is also possible to schedule via video conferencing depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD examination your doctor will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests if needed. This may include a memory test, a symptom list, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will then prepare a report to detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medication if appropriate. They can also talk about your obligations (such a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without any referral from your GP. This could be a more straightforward method to identify ADHD when you have the funds to cover an assessment by a professional. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, so it's important to check 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 wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it could be worth taking advantage of private healthcare to receive an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choose' pathway in England, you have the legal right to choose which healthcare provider to be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS is.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking you questions about your family and medical background as in addition to the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to fill out self-report questionnaires to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. They will then analyze the results to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD, they will write a personalised treatment plan for you that could include medication and psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it's important to remember that the majority of GPs aren't willing to sign a "shared care agreement' where they will manage your treatment from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). They don't believe they have the expertise or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to take the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the price of private treatment and assessments can differ widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the costliest place for both adult ADHD assessments as well as assessment for children ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20 percent more expensive than the national median. You can get an idea of the expected expenses for your area by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. However, if you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are alternatives to get an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it may disguise itself with irritability or restlessness especially when under pressure at home or work. This can lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for many years before finally being addressed.
It's a good idea to consult your GP when you, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial evaluation, gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues you've had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing you about any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, since they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD, they will then suggest a treatment plan, which will often include medication. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD However, it's possible that they will recommend non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who wish to be given an ADHD diagnosis, even though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also opt for private healthcare providers who have shorter waiting time. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in adulthood can transform your life. It can allow you to focus on your work and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide the clarity and support that you did not know existed. Onebright is here to assist you through the entire process if you are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.