How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your 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 offer the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should visit if you suspect that you or someone else suffers from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to explain your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this process your psychiatrist will rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will ask for details and will also collect information from other people, such as your family, teachers or your colleagues. You will be required to fill out a range of questionnaires and forms. For example, the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will help you keep track of it and bring it to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the procedure. If this is the case, we recommend that you print and hand to your GP our 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 daily life such as at school or work. You will also be required to give examples of times when your symptoms led to trouble and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this may include childhood incidents.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will write to your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medications you require. They may also recommend CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to use it to avail support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student allowance at the university and, if needed you can submit a request to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist who could provide additional assistance, based on your needs.
Right to Pick
If you're a citizen of the UK you are able to choose your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS offers many services that include ADHD assessments and you can select the right healthcare provider to meet your preferences and needs. However, it's crucial to be aware that the quality of the services offered by private healthcare providers can vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers with an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Using your Right to Choose when you're getting an ADHD assessment will allow you to avoid long wait times. On the NHS website you can read 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 aid in convincing your GP to approve your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
After you have selected your doctor, they will book an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it can also be conducted via video call depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and history, and will conduct other tests as required. This might include an assessment of memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will then prepare a report to detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medications. They can also talk about your responsibilities (such maintaining contact with GPs) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer without an appointment from your GP to an independent ADHD assessor. This is 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 might 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 delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to go to private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice' pathway in England, you have the legal right to choose which provider be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS standards and aren't more expensive than the NHS would be.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking questions about your family and medical history, as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires to determine the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. This information will be used to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will create an individual treatment plan for you that may include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it's important to note that the majority of GPs aren't willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that states they will take over your management from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They don't think they have the experience or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary greatly across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the costliest place for both adult ADHD assessments and children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your region. However, if you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternatives to get an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults may be affected by anxiety and restlessness, especially when they are under stress at work or home. Going In this article can result in an underlying problem being masked for a long time before being finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's an excellent idea to see your GP in the event that you think you might have ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial evaluation taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will then refer you to a specialist such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you come to your appointment. You will be asked to list any mental health issues you've experienced in the past, as well as your family history of mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person assessing your case about any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, since they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD, they will then suggest a treatment plan which may include medication. The most popular stimulants are treatments for ADHD however it is possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications aren't 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, but waiting times can be long. You can also opt for private healthcare providers that provide shorter wait time. Many private providers have been accepted by the NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in an adult can change your life. It can allow you to focus on your work and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to other support you didn't knew existed. If you're an adult and are contemplating the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.