How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS evaluation, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation 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 has ADHD, your first step is usually to go and talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns very seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The clinic will assess and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. Your doctor will also identify other medical and psychological conditions that can trigger similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and other like teachers, family members, or your colleagues. You will be asked to fill out a variety of questionnaires and forms. For instance, the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. Making this form ahead of time will make it easier to remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your doctor has a legal obligation to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they might not be knowledgeable about the process. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and hand to your GP our 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 such as at work or school. You will also be expected to give examples of times when your symptoms have led to trouble and disruption in your life. For adults, this may include incidents from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications, and may suggest CBT therapy in order to treat your symptoms.
After receiving your diagnosis, you will be able to use it to gain access to assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Student allowance at the university and, if necessary you should make an application to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to an expert psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to pick
If you're a citizen of the UK you are able to choose your healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services that include ADHD evaluations and you can select a healthcare provider who suits your preferences and needs. It's important to note that the quality and care provided by private healthcare providers will differ. This is the reason it's essential to investigate and select healthcare providers who have experience in providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
Utilizing your Right to Choose when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment can help you bypass long waiting times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will help you get your GP to sign off on the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you have selected a healthcare provider, he or she will make an appointment with you. This will likely be in person, however it could also be done via video conference depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you questions about your symptoms, your history and conduct additional tests if needed. This may include a memory test and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires regarding 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 are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will talk about medication if appropriate. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such maintaining contact with GPs) and any other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This is a simpler way to diagnose ADHD when you have the funds to pay for a professional assessment. However, a private healthcare provider might not be covered by your insurance, so make sure to confirm 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 assess your condition, it might be worthwhile seeking out private healthcare to receive an assessment. Under the 'Right to choose" pathway in England, it is your legal right to decide which provider to consult with your GP provided that they satisfy NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking questions about your medical and family history, as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires to determine the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. This information is used to rule out other medical or psychological conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD A personalised plan of treatment will be written specifically for you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it is important to know that most GPs will refuse to sign a "shared care agreement' that states they will manage your treatment from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). They don't think they have the experience or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If cheap adhd assessment choose to take the private route, it's worth bearing in mind that the costs of private assessments and treatments aren't the same across the UK. For example, the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both adult and child ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing about 20 percent more than the national average. You can get a rough idea of the expected costs for your specific 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 obtaining an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, so in children, it tends to manifest itself by exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults may be affected by the irritability and agitation, particularly when under pressure at work or home. This can result in an underlying problem being masked for a long time, before being finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea to visit your GP if you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start by conducting an initial evaluation taking notes on your symptoms and medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. You will be asked to list any mental health issues you have had and also your family history of mental illness. It's important to disclose any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, to the person carrying out the assessment, as this can cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you suffer from ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will recommend a treatment plan that will include medication. The most popular stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they will recommend non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are not addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also select private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting periods. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in an adult can alter your life. For example, it can allow you to focus on your career goals and relationships, instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to additional support you didn't have access to. If you're an adult and are considering the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.