How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment, medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment on your own. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to visit if you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to clarify your symptoms. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and create a treatment plan, including medications (if required) and therapy. Your doctor will also identify other psychological and medical issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will ask for details and will also collect information from others such as your family, teachers or even your friends. You will be required to fill out a range of questionnaires and forms. For example, the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. Preparing visit link in advance will help you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be knowledgeable about the process. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your life such as at school or work. You will be asked to list instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and interruptions in your life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may submit paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP will then be accountable for prescribing any medication you require - and may recommend CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis, you will be able to access support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if necessary, apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist will be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to choose
If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to for a healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services such as ADHD assessments, and you can choose a healthcare provider who suits your preferences and needs. It's important to know that the quality of services offered by private healthcare providers may vary. This is the reason it's essential to find and select healthcare providers who have a track record of providing effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
Using your Right to Choose when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment can help you get through long waiting times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will make it easier to get your GP to sign off on the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
After you have selected your health care provider They will make an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, but could also be done via video chat depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD examination, your doctor will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and background and will also conduct additional tests if needed. This could include a memory check and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report following your evaluation which will detail any diagnoses and recommend the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medication. They will also discuss your responsibilities (such a keeping in touch with GPs) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer without a referral from your GP to a private ADHD assessor. This could be a faster route to diagnosis and may be beneficial if you're in a position to pay for an ADHD assessment. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance, so make sure to confirm prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you don't want to wait for a time to have your condition assessed by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to go to private healthcare for an assessment. Under the "Right to choose" procedure in England it is your legal right to choose which healthcare provider to refer to your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking questions about your medical and family history, as well as the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires to determine how ADHD affects your daily life and how it affects your relationships. This information is used to rule out other mental or physical conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be formulated specifically for you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that most GPs aren't willing to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' where they will take over your management from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the necessary training or knowledge in ADHD medication to to make informed decisions about what is most appropriate for you.
It's important to remember that private assessments and treatments can vary greatly across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most expensive location for both adult ADHD assessments as well as assessment for children ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator can give you an idea of what to expect in your region. 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 a neurodevelopmental condition which is why in children it tends to manifest itself as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. However, in adults, it is possible to disguise itself with irritability or restlessness especially when under stress at work or home. This could lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for a number of years before it is finally addressed.
It's a great idea to see your GP when you, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you arrive for your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues that you've experienced in the past, as well as your family's history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing your case about any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, since they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD, they will then suggest a treatment plan, which will often include medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be lengthy. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare providers who provide shorter wait time. In fact, a lot of private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult could have life-changing implications. For instance, it could allow you to focus on your goals in your career and relationships, rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you the clarity and support that you didn't know existed. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.