How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.
You can also have an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, your first step is to speak to your GP. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that includes medications (if necessary) and therapy. During this process, your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and other like family members, teachers or even your friends. You might be asked to complete a number of forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organization's ASRS v1 form. It is recommended to prepare this in advance, to make sure you bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the procedure. We suggest that you present your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you will be asked to give a detailed description of your symptoms and the problems they can cause in different environments, such as school or work. You will also have to give examples of times when your symptoms led to trouble and disruption in your life. This includes childhood experiences for adults.
If you are diagnosed with you have ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care. Your GP is then 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 gain access to assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if needed you can make an application to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to a specialist 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 professional. This is called the "Right to Choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services, including ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. However, it's important to know that the quality of the services offered by private healthcare providers could vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers with a proven track record in providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Utilizing your Right to Choose when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment can help you avoid long wait times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will help your GP to accept your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you've selected your healthcare provider they will schedule an appointment for you. It is likely to be in-person, but it could also be conducted through video conferencing based on your situation. During the ADHD evaluation the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and history and will also conduct additional tests as required. This may include a memory test as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your assessment, your psychiatrist will write a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medications. how much is an adhd assessment will also discuss your obligations (such keeping in contact with GPs) and any other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer without an appointment from your GP to an individual ADHD assessor. This is a faster route to diagnosis and may be beneficial if you're in the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it could be worth looking into private healthcare to get an assessment. Under the "Right To Choose" process in England you have the legal right to decide which company to refer by your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough interview to ask you questions about your medical background, family history, and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting forms that evaluate how ADHD affects your daily activities and the relationships you have with. This information will be used to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will create 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 is important to know that most GPs aren't willing to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' that states they will take over your management from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't believe that they have the training or knowledge in ADHD medication to be able to make educated decisions about what's best for you.
If you decide to go down the private path it's important to keep 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 place for both adult ADHD assessments and child ADHD consultations. Consultations for follow-up were about 20% more expensive than the national median. You can get a rough estimate of the probable costs for your particular region by using our ADHD online cost calculator 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 neuro-developmental disorder and, in children, it tends to manifest itself as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. In adults, it can mask itself with irritability or restlessness, especially under pressure at home or work. This could lead to an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea to see your GP in the event that, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment and gathering information about your symptoms and medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you show up for your appointment, you will be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, including how they impact your daily life. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues you've had and also your family history of mental illness. It's important to disclose any comorbidities like depression or anxiety to the person carrying out your assessment, as this can cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you do suffer from ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan that will usually include medications. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However cheapest adhd assessment may also suggest non-stimulant medications, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These drugs are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also pick private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting periods. Private providers are often accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult could have life-changing implications. It can allow you to focus on your career and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to other support you didn't have access to. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.