How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You'll be asked questions about your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
You can also have an ADHD assessment on your own. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should visit if you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from 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 an assessment.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and create a treatment plan, including medication (if required) and therapy. During this procedure your psychiatrist will determine if there are any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and other like family members, teachers or even your friends. You will be required to fill in a variety of questionnaires and forms. For example, the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. Making this form ahead of time will help you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and could face difficulties obtaining this. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you will be required to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms and what they can cause in different settings, such as at school or at work. You will be asked to list examples of how your symptoms led you to face problems or interruptions in your life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medications you require - and may recommend CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis you will be able to avail support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student University'Allowance, and if appropriate you can apply to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist will be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to choose
If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to for a healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services such as ADHD evaluations and the option to select a healthcare provider who suits your preferences and needs. It is important to remember that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare professionals are not the same. This is why it's important to research and choose health care providers with an established track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you are getting an ADHD assessment will help you get through long waiting times. On the NHS website you can read more about this. I Am Psychiatry can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will aid in getting your GP to approve the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
After you've selected an individual healthcare professional and have chosen a doctor, they will make an appointment with you. Most likely, it will be in person, however it is also possible to schedule through video conferencing based on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation, your doctor will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests if needed. This might include tests for memory and a symptom checklist and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination, your psychiatrist will prepare a report to detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such a keeping in touch with GPs) and any other health issues that you might have.
You can also self-refer with a referral from your GP to a private ADHD assessor. This is a faster way to diagnose and may be beneficial if you're in the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. It is important to inquire with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a major impact on your life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it may be worthwhile looking into private healthcare to receive an assessment. Under the "Right to Choose" procedure in England you have the legal right to choose which company to refer by your GP – as long as they meet NHS requirements and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough interview to inquire about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires to determine the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and how it affects your relationships. They will then analyze the results to rule out other mental or physical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine you have ADHD, a personalised plan of treatment will be formulated specifically for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it's important to note that a majority of GPs will not sign something called a 'shared care agreement' in which they will assume your care from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't believe that they have the necessary training or expertise in ADHD medication to be able to make educated decisions about what's most suitable for you.
It's 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 as well as children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than national median. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of what you can expect in your local area. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't feasible for you, there are some alternative routes to getting an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it manifests in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Adults can be affected by anxiety and restlessness, especially when under pressure at work or at home. This can lead to an underlying issue being concealed for years before being finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea to consult your GP if you, as an adult, you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. You will be asked to list any mental health issues that you've had in the past, as well as your family history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person assessing your case about any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, as they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will recommend a treatment plan which will include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are not addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also pick private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting periods. Many private providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult could have life-changing implications. It can allow you to focus on your career and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It also gives you confidence and access to help that you did not know existed. Onebright is here to assist you through the entire process if are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.