How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination, medical professionals ask you questions about your health issues and how they affect your life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.
You can also get an ADHD assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to visit if you suspect that you or someone else has ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to clarify your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
The clinic will assess and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. During this procedure, your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you as well as other people such as family members, teachers or friends. You will be required to fill in a variety of questionnaires and forms. For example the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is recommended to prepare it in advance, to make sure you bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obligation to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the procedure. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it by clicking here.
If you attend your assessment, you'll be asked to give a detailed description of your symptoms as well as the issues they can cause in different settings, such as at work or at school. You will be asked to give examples when your symptoms caused you to have problems and disturbances in your daily life. For adults, this could include instances from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for a shared care agreement. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications, and may recommend CBT therapy to manage your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis you will be able to gain access to support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university and, if necessary you should submit a request to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist will also be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to pick
If you're a British citizen, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services that include ADHD assessments and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It's important to understand that the quality of the care provided by private healthcare providers can vary. adhd assessment cost uk to choose healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you get an ADHD assessment. You can find out more about this right on the NHS website. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to give your GP explaining the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier for your GP to accept your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you've selected your health care provider, they will book an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it could also be done via video call in accordance with your situation. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist might ask you questions regarding your symptoms, your history, and conduct other tests if needed. This could include a memory check, a symptom list, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a comprehensive report following your evaluation which will detail any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medication when appropriate. They can also talk to you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This is a faster route to diagnosis and may be helpful if you're in the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. However it is possible that a private health provider might not be covered by your insurance plan, so it's important to check that before making 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 determine the severity of your condition, it may be worthwhile seeking out private healthcare to get an assessment. Under the "Right to Choose" procedure in England, it is your legal right to decide which provider to consult with your GP provided that they satisfy NHS requirements and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking questions about your family and medical history, as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires to determine how ADHD affects your daily functioning and the relationships you have with. The results will be used to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will create a personalised treatment plan for you that may include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it's important to note that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' that states they will assume your care from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). They do not think they have the experience or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can differ greatly across the UK. For psych assessment for adhd , the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both children and adults ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing around 20 percent more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator can provide you with an idea of what to expect in your local area. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternatives to obtaining an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it may disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability especially when under stress at home or at work. This can lead to an underlying issue being concealed for years before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's an excellent idea to see your GP if you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial examination and gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, like psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. You will be asked about any mental health issues you've experienced and your family history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any other comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, to the person conducting the assessment, as it can create confusion when determining ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines you suffer from ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program that includes medications. The most popular stimulants are treatments for ADHD, but it's also possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. 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 be given an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also pick private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. In fact, many private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood could have life-changing implications. For instance, it could enable you to concentrate on your goals in your career and relationships, rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you clarity and access to support that you didn't know existed. If you are an adult contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.