How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. You'll also be asked about your family history and general health.
You can also get an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, your first step is to speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns very seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. The GP will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
This clinic will evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that includes medications (if required) and therapy. During this process your doctor will also rule out other psychological and medical issues which can cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for information and will also seek out information from others such as your family, teachers or your colleagues. You might be asked to fill out several forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organisation's ASRS Form v1. It is recommended to prepare it in advance to ensure you 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 could face difficulty making this happen. We suggest that you present your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life, including at work or school. You will also be expected to provide examples of times when your symptoms have led to trouble and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this could include childhood incidents.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement on shared care. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medication you require. They may also recommend CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
Click To See More can use your diagnosis to apply for support services like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments to your university. If you need to you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from restrictions on driving. Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist will also be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who can offer additional support.
Right to choose
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 offers many services such as ADHD evaluations and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. However, it's important to know that the quality of treatment provided by private healthcare providers can vary. This is why it's crucial to find and select health care providers with an established track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can cut down on long waiting times by exercising your right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to approve the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
Once you have selected an individual healthcare professional the doctor will schedule an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it can also be conducted via video call in accordance with your situation. During the ADHD assessment your doctor will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and background and will also conduct additional tests as required. This could include a memory check, a symptom list, and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report after your assessment which will detail any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will talk about medication if appropriate. They will also discuss your responsibilities (such maintaining contact with your GP) and any other health issues you may be dealing with.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This is a simpler way to diagnose ADHD in the event that you have the funds to cover an assessment by a professional. However the private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, so make sure to confirm prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your symptoms of ADHD are having a major impact on your life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it may be worthwhile 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 select which company 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 an in-depth clinical interview, asking you questions about your medical and family history, as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires that assess how ADHD affects your daily life and your relationships. They will then analyze the results to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD, they will write an individual 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 a majority of GPs will not 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 necessary training or knowledge in ADHD medication to to make informed decisions about what is best for you.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments may vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most expensive place for both adult ADHD assessments and assessment for children ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20 percent more expensive than national median. You can get an estimate of the probable costs for your specific location by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare There are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it may disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness, especially under pressure at home or at work. This can lead to an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea to visit your GP if you think you might have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start by conducting an initial assessment and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you get to your appointment, you'll be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, including how they impact your daily life. You will be asked to list any mental health issues that you've experienced and also your family history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing your case about any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, as they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do suffer from ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment plan which may include medications. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are not addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who wish to be given an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also choose private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. Many private providers have been approved by NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in an adult can change your life. For example, it can enable you to concentrate on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It can also provide the clarity and support that you didn't even realize existed. Onebright is here to assist you through the entire process if are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.