How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS evaluation medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also have an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service through 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 will be attentive to your concerns and ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that includes medications (if necessary) and therapy. In this process, your psychiatrist will also eliminate other medical and psychological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and other, such as teachers, family members or friends. You might be asked to complete several forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organisation's ASRS Form v1. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance to ensure 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 recommend 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, including at work or school. You will also be required to give examples of times when your symptoms caused problems and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this may include instances from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with you have ADHD then your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a form for an agreement on shared care. Your GP will then be accountable for prescribing any medication you require. He or she may also suggest CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to avail assistance services, such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students University'Allowance and, if needed you can make an application to the DVLA for an exemption from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist can also refer you to a psychologist who will provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to Pick
If you're a citizen of the UK, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD assessments and the option to select the right healthcare provider to meet your preferences and needs. It is important to know that the quality of care and treatment provided by private healthcare professionals can vary. It's crucial to select healthcare providers with demonstrated track records of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can cut down on long waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. Find out more information about this on the NHS website. You can also print and download a letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in getting your GP to approve the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
Once you've selected your doctor they will schedule an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, but can be done via video conference depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, history and conduct additional tests, if required. This might include an assessment of memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination, your psychiatrist will draft a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medications as appropriate. They can also talk to you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues you might have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This is a simpler method of diagnosing ADHD when you have the money to cover an assessment from a professional. It's essential to consult your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life and you don't wish to wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it may be worth looking into private healthcare to receive 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 costly than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough medical interview to ask questions about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires that assess the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and the relationships you have with. They will then use this information to rule out any other mental or physical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include psychotherapy and medication.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it is important to know that the majority of GPs will not sign a "shared care agreement' that states they will take over your management from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the knowledge or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you choose to take the private route, it's worth bearing in mind that the costs of private treatment and assessments can vary widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most expensive area for both adult ADHD assessments and children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than the national median. iampsychiatry can get an idea of the likely expenses for your region by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't feasible for you, there are some alternatives to obtaining an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder which is why in children it is often manifested with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. However, in adults, it can mask itself with irritability or restlessness especially when under pressure at home or at work. This can result in an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist for a number of years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea see your GP when you, as an adult, you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial assessment, gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you get to your appointment, you will be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, including how they impact your daily life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you have experienced and your family history of mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing your case about any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, since they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you do suffer from ADHD If they find that you do, they will recommend a treatment plan which may include medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be long. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting periods. In fact, a lot of private providers are licensed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD as an adult can alter your life. It can allow you to focus on your relationships and career instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to additional support that you didn't previously have access to. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.