How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS examination medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers provide 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 has ADHD. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The doctor will examine 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 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 friends. You will be asked to fill in a variety of forms and questionnaires. For instance the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. adhd diagnostic assessment is best to prepare this form in advance. will make it easier to remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the procedure. If this is the case, we suggest printing and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your daily life whether at school or work. You will be asked to give instances of when your symptoms have caused you to experience problems and disturbances in your daily life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If you are diagnosed with you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications you require - and may suggest CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to use it to avail support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university and, if necessary you can make an application to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your doctor may also recommend you to a psychologist who can provide additional assistance, based on your needs.
Right to choose
If you're a British citizen you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services that include ADHD assessments and you can select a healthcare provider who suits your preferences and needs. It's important to note that the quality and level of care offered by private healthcare providers can vary. This is why it's crucial to find and select healthcare providers with a track record of offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you're getting an ADHD assessment will help you get through long waiting times. Find out more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to approve the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you've selected your healthcare provider They will make an appointment for you. It is likely to be in person, but can also be conducted via video call depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment, your psychiatrist may ask you questions about your symptoms, history and conduct tests if needed. This might include an assessment of memory, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report after your assessment that will outline any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will talk about the appropriate medication. They will also discuss your responsibilities (such maintaining contact with GPs) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer with the need for a referral from your doctor to an independent ADHD assessor. This can be a quicker way to diagnose and may be beneficial if you're in a position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's important to check with your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not wish to delay getting your condition assessed by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to contact private healthcare for an assessment. Under the 'Right to Choose" procedure in England it is your legal right to choose which provider to consult with your GP in the event that they meet NHS specifications and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough medical interview to inquire about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires to determine how ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. They will then use this information to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that could include medication and psychotherapy.
It is important to be aware that when you're seeking medication through the NHS following a private diagnosis, many GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement that allows them to take the care of your private clinician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. They don't believe they have the expertise or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to take the private path It's worth keeping in mind that the costs of private treatment and assessments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most expensive area for both adult ADHD assessments as well as child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of what you can expect in your region. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are some alternatives to get an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition which is why in children it tends to manifest itself with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. Adults are susceptible to anxiety and restlessness, especially when they are under stress at work or home. This can result in an underlying problem being masked for years before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea to see your GP when, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will start by conducting an initial evaluation and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you get to your appointment, you will be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you've experienced in the past, as well as your family's history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person who is assessing you of any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, since they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment plan, which will often include medication. The most popular stimulants are medications used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting periods. Many private providers have been approved by NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD as an adult can alter your life. It can allow you to focus on your relationships and career rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to support that you didn't have access to. If you're an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.