How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination, medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should go 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. The GP will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
This clinic will evaluate and treat your symptoms, including treatment and medication if required. In this process, your doctor will also identify other psychological and medical issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and other, such as teachers, family members or even your friends. You may be asked to complete various forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organisation's ASRS version 1 form. Making this form ahead of time will help you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally bound to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and may have difficulties obtaining this. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life, including at school or work. You will be asked to list examples of how your symptoms led you to face problems or disturbances in your daily life. For adults, this could include incidents from childhood.
If your diagnosis shows that you have ADHD and your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a formal request for an agreement on shared care. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications you require. He or she may also suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis, you will be able to gain access to assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university, and if appropriate you can apply to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist can also recommend you to a psychologist who will provide additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to pick
If you're a British citizen you are able to choose your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services, including ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. It's crucial to be aware that the quality of services offered by private healthcare providers could vary. It's important to choose healthcare providers with demonstrated track records of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid lengthy waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your doctor They will make an appointment for you. It is likely to be in-person, but it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your situation. During the ADHD examination your doctor will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and past history, and will conduct other tests if needed. This could include a memory test, a symptom list, and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your assessment, your psychiatrist will write a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will talk about medication if appropriate. They will also discuss your obligations (such keeping in contact with GPs) and any other health issues you might have.
Alternately, you can self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This is a simpler method of diagnosing ADHD if you have the funds to pay for an assessment from a professional. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, so make sure to confirm that prior to making an appointment.
adhd online assessment
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life and you don't want to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it could be worthwhile taking advantage of private healthcare to receive an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice option in England you have the legal right to choose which healthcare provider to be referred by your GP provided that they meet NHS criteria and are not more costly than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking questions about your family and medical history, as well as the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting forms that evaluate how ADHD affects your daily life and your relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include psychotherapy and medication.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it is important to know that a majority of GPs aren't willing to sign a "shared care agreement' where they will assume your care from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the expertise or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments may vary widely across the UK. For instance the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both adult and child ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing about 20 percent more than the national average. You can get an idea of the expected costs for your specific area by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition and, in children, it is often manifested with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. However, for adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness, especially under pressure at work or home. This can result in an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist for a number of years before it is finally addressed.
It's a great idea to visit your GP when you are an adult and you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will start by conducting an initial examination, gathering information on your symptoms as well as your medical background. The doctor will then refer you to a specialist like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you have experienced in the past, as well as your family's history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing you about any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you suffer from ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program which will include medications. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD, but it's also possible that they will recommend non-stimulant medicines like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are non-addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. You can also pick private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. Private providers are often approved by NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in an adult can alter your life. For instance, it could allow you to focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to additional support that you didn't previously knew existed. If you are an adult who is contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.