How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.
You can also have an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD The first option is to talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to describe your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. During this process your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you as well as other people such as family members, teachers or friends. You will be asked to fill out a range of forms and questionnaires. For instance the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare it in advance, so that you have it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obligation to pay for an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the process. If this is the case, we suggest that you print and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life such as at work or school. You will be asked to give instances of when your symptoms have caused you to face problems or interruptions in your life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medications you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis you will be able to use it to avail support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance at university, and if appropriate, make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Your doctor may also recommend you to a psychologist who can provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to choose
If you're a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to as a healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The NHS provides a variety of services, including ADHD assessment, and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. However, how much does an adhd assessment cost to understand that the quality of the treatment provided by private healthcare providers may vary. This is the reason it's essential to research and choose health care providers with an established track record of providing quality 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 find out more about this right 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 aid in getting your GP to approve the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
Once you've selected your healthcare provider, they will book an appointment for you. It will most likely be in-person, but it can also be done via video conferencing depending on your situation. During the ADHD assessment your psychiatrist might ask you questions regarding your symptoms, history, and conduct other tests, if required. This could include a memory check as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your evaluation, your psychiatrist will prepare a report to describe any diagnosis and recommend next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medication. They can also talk to you about your obligations (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues that you may have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This can be a quicker way to diagnose and may be beneficial if you're in a position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms affect your life and you don't want to delay getting your condition evaluated by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to seek out private healthcare for an assessment. Under the "Right to choose" procedure in England you have the legal right to decide which provider to consult with your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare provider will conduct an in-depth interview with you, asking questions about your family and medical history as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires that assess the extent to which ADHD affects your daily activities and the relationships you have with. The results will be used to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you have ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to remember that the majority of GPs will not sign something called a 'shared care agreement' where they will manage your treatment from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't feel that they have the necessary training or expertise in ADHD medication to to make informed decisions about what's most suitable for you.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments may vary greatly across the UK. The East of England, for instance, 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 the national median. You can get an estimate of the probable costs for your particular 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 alternatives to get an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition which is why in children it usually manifests as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. Adults are susceptible to irritability and restlessness, particularly when they are under pressure at work or home. This can lead to an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea to consult your GP when you, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you get to your appointment, you will be asked about the features of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. You will be asked about any mental health issues that you've had to deal with and your family history of mental illness. It is essential to inform the person who is assessing you of any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you do suffer from ADHD, they will then suggest a treatment plan, which will often include medication. The most popular stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD However, it's possible that they will recommend non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. You can also pick private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting times. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in an adult can change your life. It can assist you in focusing on your work and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It also provides clarity and access to other support you didn't have access to. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.