How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS examination medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. You'll be asked questions about your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers provide the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including treatment and medication if required. Your psychiatrist will also eliminate other psychological and medical conditions which can cause similar symptoms. They will request information and also gather information from others such as your teachers, family members or even your friends. You may be asked to fill out various forms or questionnaires, such as the World Health Organization's ASRS Form v1. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, to make sure you have it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obligation to fund an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the process. We suggest that you present your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your life, including at school or work. You will also have to give examples of times when your symptoms caused problems and disruption in your daily life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will submit paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP will then be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. He or she may also recommend 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 Student' Allowance at university, and if appropriate you can submit a request to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs your psychiatrist will be in a position to refer you to a specialist psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to for a healthcare professional. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. However, it's crucial to be aware that the quality of care provided by private healthcare providers can vary. This is the reason it's essential to investigate and select health care providers with an established track record of offering effective 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 find out more about this. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in convincing your GP to accept your referral to a private ADHD assessor.
Once you have selected a healthcare provider, he or she will schedule an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it 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 additional tests if needed. This could include a memory check as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After how much does an adhd assessment cost , your psychiatrist will draft a report that will outline any diagnosis and recommend next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medications as appropriate. They will also discuss your obligations (such keeping in contact with GPs) and any other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer with a referral from your GP to a private ADHD assessor. This is a simpler way to diagnose ADHD if you have the funds to pay for an assessment from a professional. However it is possible that a private health provider may not be covered by your insurance, so it's important to check prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to determine the severity of your condition, it may be worth looking into private healthcare to get an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice' pathway in England you are legally entitled to select which company to be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS standards and aren't more costly than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough interview to inquire about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to fill out self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out any other mental or medical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you have ADHD they will create an individual treatment plan for you, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to remember that most GPs will refuse to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' where they will assume your care from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the knowledge or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you choose to take the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the costs of private treatment and assessments aren't the same across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both children and adults ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing about 20 percent more than the national average. You can get an idea of the likely expenses for your region by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. However, if you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternative routes to getting an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it can mask its symptoms with restlessness or irritability especially when under stress at work or home. This could lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for a number of years before it's finally addressed.
It's a great idea to see your GP if you, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will start by conducting an initial examination taking notes on your symptoms as well as your medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at the time of your appointment. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues you have had in the past, as well as your family history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any other comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression, to the person carrying out your assessment, since this can cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will suggest a treatment program which will include medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. You can also choose private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. In fact, many private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of 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 in your career and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It also gives you the clarity and support that you did not realize existed. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.