How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should go if you suspect you or someone else suffers from ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
This clinic will evaluate and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. During this process your psychiatrist will also determine if there are any other medical or mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will request information and will also seek out information from others such as your family, teachers or your colleagues. You will be required to fill out a range of forms and questionnaires. For example the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare it in advance, so that you bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and could face difficulties in obtaining this. Going In this article recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here.
When you are scheduled for your appointment, you will be required to provide a detailed description of your symptoms and what they cause in various situations, like at school or work. You will also have to provide examples of times when your symptoms caused disruption and trouble in your life. This includes childhood events for adults.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your physician is accountable for prescribing all medications, and may suggest CBT therapy to manage 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 Student University'Allowance and, if necessary you should make an application to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist may also recommend you to a psychologist who can offer additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to pick
If you're a resident of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to as a healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services that include ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that meets your preferences and needs. It is important to know that the quality of care and treatment provided by private healthcare providers can vary. This is why it's important to investigate and select health care providers with experience in providing effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
Making use of your Right to Choice when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment will help you get through long waiting times. On the NHS website you can read more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will help your GP to accept your referral to a private ADHD assessor.
After you have chosen a healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will schedule an appointment with you. This will likely be in person, but can also be conducted via video call depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation, your psychiatrist may ask you questions about your symptoms, history and conduct tests, if required. This could include a memory test, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will then draft a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medication if appropriate. They can also talk to you about your obligations (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues you might have.
Alternately, you can self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This can be a quicker method of diagnosis and could be beneficial if you're the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. However the private healthcare provider might not be covered by your insurance plan, so make sure to confirm that before making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life, and you don't wish to wait for the NHS to determine the severity of your condition, it may be worthwhile seeking out private healthcare to receive an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice' pathway in England you have the legal right to select which company to be referred by your GP - so long as they meet NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS is.
A private health care provider will conduct an in-depth interview with you, asking questions about your family and medical background as along with the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to fill out self-report questionnaires which assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. The results will be used to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD then a customized plan of treatment will be written specifically for you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
It's important to know that when it comes to accessing medication through the NHS in the event of a private diagnosis, many GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract' which allows them to take control of your treatment from your private doctor. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the training or experience in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary widely across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both adult and child ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing around 20% more than the national average. You can get a rough estimate of the probable expenses for your area by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare, there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults are susceptible to the irritability and agitation, particularly when they are under pressure at home or work. This can result in an underlying issue being concealed for a long time, before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
It's a great idea to visit your GP if, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial assessment, gathering information about your symptoms and medical history. The GP will then refer you on to a specialist like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
When you get to your appointment, you'll be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues that you have had, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It is important to tell the person who is assessing you of any comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, since they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do have ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment program, which will often include medications. Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD However, it's possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are non-addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that offer shorter wait times. Private providers are often approved by NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in an adult can transform your life. It can allow you to focus on your career and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to additional support that you didn't previously have access to. If you are an adult and are contemplating the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you at every step of the process.