How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll also be asked about your family background and general health.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Certain private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first option is to speak to your GP. book adhd assessment will take your concerns very seriously and will ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and create an appropriate treatment plan, which includes medications (if necessary) and therapy. Your psychiatrist will also eliminate other medical and psychological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will request information and will also seek out information from others, like your teachers, family members, or friends. You will be asked to fill in a variety of questionnaires and forms. For instance, the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare this in advance, to make sure you remember to bring it 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 could have difficulties in obtaining this. If this is the case, we suggest printing and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your daily life whether at work or school. You will also be expected to give examples of times where your symptoms have caused disruption and trouble in your daily life. This includes childhood experiences for adults.
If your diagnosis indicates that you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medications you require. He or she may also recommend CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
After you have received your diagnosis you will be able to use it to gain access to assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if needed you can apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist will be in a position to refer you to a specialist psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to choose
If get assessed for adhd 're a British citizen you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services, including ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. It's crucial to be aware that the quality of the treatment provided by private healthcare providers can differ. This is why it's important to research and choose health care providers with a track record of offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
Using your Right to Choose when you are getting an ADHD assessment will help you avoid long wait times. You can learn more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will help you get your GP to approve the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
Once you have chosen your healthcare provider They will make an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, but can be done via video call depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and past history, and will conduct other tests as required. This could include a memory test, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report following your examination that will provide a detailed explanation of any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will talk about the appropriate medications. They will also be able to talk with you about your obligations (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer without the need for a referral from your doctor to a private ADHD assessor. This can be an easier method of diagnosing ADHD if you have the funds to cover an assessment by a professional. It's important to check with your insurance company prior to 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 might be worth looking into 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 requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview to ask you questions about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting forms that evaluate how ADHD affects your daily activities and your relationships. This information will be used to rule out other mental or physical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If get assessed for adhd find you suffer from ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be written for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it's important to remember that most GPs aren't willing to sign a "shared care agreement' where they will manage your treatment from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't feel that they have the training or expertise in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
If you choose to take the private option it's important to keep in mind that the cost of private assessments and treatment can differ widely across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both adult and child ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing about 20% more than the national average. You can get an estimate of the probable expenses for your location by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are some alternative routes to getting an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition and, in children, it usually manifests by exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults are susceptible to the irritability and agitation, particularly when they are under stress at work or at home. This could lead to an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea consult your GP if, as an adult, you suspect you might have ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial evaluation and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you get to your appointment, you'll be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, including how they affect your daily life. You will be asked about any mental health issues that you've suffered from and your family history of mental illness. It's important to disclose any comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, to the person who is conducting the assessment, as this can cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will suggest a treatment plan that includes medications. The most popular stimulants are medications used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they will recommend non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also select private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting times. In fact, many private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood can have a profound impact on your life. For example, it can help you focus on your career goals and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to support that you did not have access to. If you are an adult and are contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.