How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS examination medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first option is usually to go and talk to your GP. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to clarify your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you for an ADHD clinic assessment.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this procedure your psychiatrist will identify any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and others like teachers, family members or your colleagues. You may be required to fill out a number of forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organization's ASRS Form v1. Making this form ahead of time will make it easier to 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 might not be knowledgeable about the process. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
When you go to your appointment, you will be required to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different settings, such as at school or at work. You will be asked to list instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and interruptions in your life. For adults, this could include instances from childhood.
If your diagnosis indicates that you have ADHD and your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for a shared care agreement. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
After you have received your diagnosis you will be able to use it to access support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students University'Allowance and, if needed you should submit a request to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who will 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 provides a variety of services that include ADHD evaluations, and you can choose a healthcare provider who suits your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality of care and treatment provided by private healthcare providers are not the same. It's crucial to select healthcare providers with a proven track record in providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Using your Right to Choose when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment will help you get through long waiting times. Find out more about this right on the NHS website. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP explaining the Right to Choose process. This will help your GP to accept your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
After you have chosen the right healthcare provider, he or she will make an appointment with you. It will most likely be in person, however it could also be done via video chat depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation, your psychiatrist may ask you questions regarding your symptoms, history and conduct additional tests if necessary. This might include an assessment of memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will draft a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medication. They can also discuss your responsibilities (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 independent ADHD assessor. This could be a faster method of diagnosis and could be beneficial if you're a position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms affect your life and you do not wish to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to seek out private healthcare to have an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice path in England, you have the legal right to select which company to be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS standards and aren't more expensive than the NHS is.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough interview with you, asking questions about your family and medical background as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires to determine the extent to which ADHD affects your daily activities and how it affects your relationships. They will then analyze the results to rule out other mental or medical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan for you, which could include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that most GPs will refuse to sign a'shared care agreement' in which they will assume your care from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the knowledge or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary greatly across the UK. The East of England, for example, was found to be the costliest location for both adult ADHD assessments and children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than the national median. You can get a rough estimate of the probable costs for your particular location by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. 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 neuro-developmental disorder which is why in children it tends to manifest itself with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. However, in adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under pressure at home or work. This can lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before finally being addressed.
It's a good idea see your GP when you, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will start by conducting an initial evaluation and gathering information about your symptoms and medical background. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
When assessed for adhd get to your appointment, you will be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues that you have had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to discuss any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, to the person who is conducting your assessment, since it can create confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program which will include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who wish to be given an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be lengthy. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that have shorter wait times. In fact, many private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. For example, it can help you focus on your goals for 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 help you through the entire process if are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.