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 daily life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also get an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD The first option is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. The GP will then refer you to an ADHD clinic assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan, including medication (if required) and therapy. During this process, your psychiatrist will also determine if there are any other medical or psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will request details and will also collect information from others such as your teachers, family members or even your friends. You may be required to fill out several forms or questionnaires, such as the World Health Organization's ASRS Form v1. It is a good idea to prepare it in advance, to make sure you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the process. If this is the case, we suggest that you print and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it by clicking here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you'll be asked to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different environments, such as work or at school. You will also be required to provide examples of times when your symptoms caused disruption and trouble in your daily life. For adults, this may include instances from childhood.
If camhs adhd assessment shows that you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications and may also suggest CBT therapy to treat your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis you will be able to use it to gain access to support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student' Allowance at university, and if appropriate, make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist may also recommend you to a psychologist who could offer additional assistance, based on your needs.
Right to Choose
If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see for a healthcare professional. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services that include ADHD assessments and the option to select the right healthcare provider to meet your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality and care provided by private healthcare professionals will differ. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have demonstrated track records of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. Find out more information about this on the NHS website. You can also print and download a letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in getting your GP to accept the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you have chosen your doctor they will schedule an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it can also be done via video conferencing, depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment, your doctor will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests if needed. This could include an assessment of memory and a symptom checklist and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination, your psychiatrist will draft a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medications when appropriate. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such a keeping in touch with GPs) and any other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This could be a faster method of diagnosis and could be beneficial if you're in the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. However it is possible that a private health provider might not be covered by your insurance plan, so make sure to confirm prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your life and you don't want to wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it could be worthwhile taking advantage of private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose' pathway in England, you have the legal right to select which company to be referred by your GP - so long as they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS is.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough interview to ask you questions about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to answer self-report questions to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. The results will be used to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be formulated specifically for you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it is important to know that a majority of GPs aren't willing to sign a "shared care agreement' where they will manage your treatment from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They don't believe they have the knowledge or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can differ greatly across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both adult and child ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing around 20% more than the national average. You can get an idea of the expected costs for your particular region 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. Adults can be affected by anxiety and restlessness, especially when they are under pressure at work or at home. This can result in an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist for many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea consult your GP in the event that you are an adult and you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at the time of your appointment. You will be asked to list any mental health issues you have had and also your family history of mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person assessing you about any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, since they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you suffer from ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will recommend a treatment plan which will include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are non-addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be lengthy. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare providers that offer shorter wait times. In fact, many private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD as an adult can transform your life. It can assist you in focusing on your relationships and career rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to support that you did not have access to. If you are an adult and are contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.