How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During a NHS evaluation, medical professionals ask you questions about your health issues and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.
You can also get 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 suffers from ADHD The first step is to speak to your GP. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
This clinic will evaluate and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. During this procedure, your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for information and will also seek out information from others, like your family, teachers or your colleagues. You will be asked to fill out a range of forms and questionnaires. For example the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is recommended to prepare it in advance to ensure you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they are not necessarily familiar with the process and may have difficulties in obtaining this. If this is the case, we recommend that you print off and give to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
When you go to your appointment, you will be asked to give an in-depth description of your symptoms and the problems they can cause in different environments, such as work or at school. You will be asked to list instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and disturbances in your daily life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications. They may also suggest CBT therapy to manage your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the university. If you need to, you can also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist may also refer you to a psychologist who will provide additional assistance, based on your requirements.
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, including ADHD assessments and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. It is important to know that the quality of care and treatment provided by private healthcare professionals will differ. This is why it's crucial to research and choose healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you get an ADHD assessment. You can learn more about this right on the NHS website. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP explaining the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to accept the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you have selected a healthcare provider the doctor will book an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, but can also be conducted via video call depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD assessment, your psychiatrist may ask you questions about your symptoms, history and conduct additional tests if necessary. This might include an assessment of memory and a symptom checklist and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your psychiatrist will write a comprehensive report following your evaluation that will provide a detailed explanation of any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medications. They can also talk about your obligations (such maintaining contact with your GP) and any other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This could be a faster method of diagnosis and could be beneficial if you're in a position to pay for an ADHD assessment. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, so make sure to confirm that before making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you don't want to delay getting your condition assessed by the NHS, you may wish to go to private healthcare to have an assessment. Under the "Right To Choose" process in England, it is your legal right to decide which company to refer by your GP – as long as they meet NHS specifications and are not more costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct an in-depth clinical interview, asking questions about your family and medical background as in addition to the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to complete self-report questionnaires which assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. This information is used to rule out any other psychological or medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan for you, which could include psychotherapy and medication.
It's important to understand that when it comes to accessing medication through the NHS following an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract which permits them to take the care of your private clinician. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't believe that they have the training or knowledge in ADHD medication to to make informed decisions about what is most appropriate for you.
If you decide to go down the private route It's worth keeping in mind that the costs of private assessments and treatments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for example, was found to be the most costly area for both adult ADHD assessments and children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20 percent more expensive than national median. Our ADHD cost calculator can provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your local area. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are alternative routes to getting an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests itself in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. In adults, it can mask its symptoms with restlessness or irritability especially when under pressure at work or home. This can lead to an underlying issue being concealed for years before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a great idea to consult your GP when you, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial evaluation, gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. 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 characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. adhd assessments near me will be asked to list any mental health issues that you've experienced and also the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to discuss any comorbidities such as depression or anxiety, to the person conducting your assessment, as this can cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program that will include medications. The most popular stimulants are treatments for ADHD However, it's possible that they will recommend non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These drugs aren't addictive and can be helpful in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, even though waiting times can be long. You can also pick private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. Many private providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in adulthood can transform your life. For example, it can help you focus on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you clarity and access to support that you didn't realize existed. If you are an adult considering the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.
