How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS examination medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. You'll also be asked about your family background and general health.
You can also obtain an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, your first option is to speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns very seriously and will want to know about your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you for an ADHD clinic assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that includes medications (if required) and therapy. During this process your psychiatrist will identify any other medical or psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will request information and will also seek out information from others such as your teachers, family members, or friends. You might be asked to fill out various forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organisation's ASRS version 1 form. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will help you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obligation to fund an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they might not be aware of the process. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
When you go to your appointment, you will be asked to give a detailed description of your symptoms as well as the issues they are causing in different settings, such as at school or work. You will be asked to give examples of how your symptoms led you to have problems and interruptions in your life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may submit paperwork to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. They may also recommend CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to apply for support services such as Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments to your university. If you need to you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist may be in a position to refer you to a specialist psychologist who can offer additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a British citizen you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services such as ADHD assessments and you can select a healthcare provider who suits your preferences and needs. It's important to know that the quality of treatment provided by private healthcare providers may differ. It's crucial to select healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you're getting an ADHD assessment will help you get through long waiting times. Find out more information about this on the NHS website. You can also print and download the letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will make it easier to get your GP to approve the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
After you have chosen the right healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will book an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it can be done via video call depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD examination your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and past history and will also conduct additional tests as required. This might include a memory test, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination, your psychiatrist will write a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will talk about medication when appropriate. They will also discuss your obligations (such maintaining contact with your GP) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer with an appointment from your GP to a private ADHD assessor. This can be an easier method of diagnosing ADHD if you have the funds to cover a professional assessment. However, a private healthcare provider might not be covered by your insurance, therefore it's crucial to confirm prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life and you don't want to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it may be worth seeking out private healthcare to get an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose' pathway in England, you have the legal right to choose which healthcare provider to be referred by your GP in the event that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough interview to ask you questions about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to fill out self-reporting forms that evaluate the extent to which ADHD affects your daily activities and your relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out any other mental or medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that may include medication and psychotherapy.
It is important to be aware that when you're seeking medication through the NHS after a private diagnosis, most GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract which permits them to take the care of your private clinician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the necessary training or experience in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the most expensive area for both adult ADHD assessments and child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than national median. You can get an idea of the likely costs for your particular location by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are alternatives to get an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it is possible to disguise its symptoms with restlessness or irritability especially when under pressure at home or work. This could lead to an underlying issue being concealed for a long time before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
adhd assessment uk cost is why it's an excellent idea to see your GP in the event that you think you might have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will begin with an initial assessment taking notes on your symptoms and medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist for example, psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you arrive for your appointment. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues you've had and also the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to discuss any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, to the person who is conducting the assessment, as this can cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will suggest a treatment plan that will include medication. The most popular stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD, but it's also possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also opt for private healthcare providers who have shorter waiting time. Private providers are often accepted by the NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD as an adult can transform your life. For instance, it could enable you to concentrate on your goals for your career and relationships instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It also gives you confidence and access to help that you didn't even realize existed. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if you are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.