How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS evaluation medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers provide the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to clarify your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan, which includes medication (if necessary) and therapy. During this procedure, your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for information and also gather information from other people, such as your family, teachers or your colleagues. You will be asked to fill out a variety of forms and questionnaires. For example the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, so that you bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally bound to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and could have difficulties in obtaining this. We suggest that you present your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
If you attend your appointment, you will be asked to give an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different settings, such as at work or at school. You will be asked to provide examples when your symptoms caused you to experience problems and interruptions in your life. For adults, this may include instances from childhood.
If adhd assessment online shows that you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care. Your GP will then be responsible for prescribing any medications you require. He or she may also recommend CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis, you will be able to access support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students University'Allowance and, if needed, submit a request to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to an expert psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to Choose
If you're a resident of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see for a healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services, including ADHD assessments and you can select a healthcare provider who suits your needs and preferences. It's crucial to be aware that the quality of the services offered by private healthcare providers may vary. It is important to select healthcare providers who have demonstrated track records of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid long waiting times 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 a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will help your GP to accept your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
After you've selected the right healthcare provider, he or she will make an appointment with you. Most likely, it will be in-person, but it could also be conducted through video conferencing based on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation, your psychiatrist may ask you questions regarding your symptoms, history, and conduct other tests if necessary. This could include a memory test and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your assessment, your psychiatrist will write a report that will outline any diagnosis and recommend next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medications. They can also discuss your obligations (such a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This is a simpler method of diagnosing ADHD in the event that you have the money to pay for an assessment by a professional. It's important to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not want to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to go to private healthcare for 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 by your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS could be.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough medical interview to inquire about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also require 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 that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you have ADHD they will create a personalised treatment plan for you that may include medication and psychotherapy.
It is important to be aware that when you're seeking medication through the NHS in the event of a private diagnosis, many GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract which permits them to take control of your treatment from your private doctor. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't believe that they have the necessary training or expertise in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most suitable for you.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary greatly across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the most costly area for both adult ADHD assessments as well as children's ADHD consultations. Consultations for follow-up were about 20 percent more expensive than the national median. You can get a rough idea of the expected expenses for your region by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are alternative routes to getting an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and 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 lead to an underlying issue being concealed for years before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
This is why it's an excellent idea to see your GP if you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start by conducting an initial assessment taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues that you've experienced and your family history of mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing you about any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, as they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines you suffer from ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will recommend a treatment plan that includes medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are among the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant drugs, like bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. A number of private healthcare providers have been approved by NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood could have life-changing implications. For instance, it can enable you to concentrate on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to other support you didn't have access to. If you're an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.