How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS examination, medical professionals will ask you 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 assessment privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
This clinic will evaluate your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan, including medications (if required) and therapy. During this process your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and other like teachers, family members or even your friends. You may be asked to complete several forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organization's ASRS Form v1. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, to make sure 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 are not necessarily familiar with the process and may have difficulty making this happen. If this is the case, we suggest printing and give to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life, including at school or at work. You will be asked to provide instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and disruptions in your life. For adults, this could include childhood incidents.
If your diagnosis shows that you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a formal request for a shared care agreement. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications, and may recommend CBT therapy to manage your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, such as Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the university. If you need to, you can also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from any restrictions on driving. Depending on your needs your psychiatrist will be in a position to refer you to an expert psychologist who will offer additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see as a healthcare provider. cost of adhd assessment uk is called the "Right to Choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services that include ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that meets your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare professionals will differ. It's important to choose healthcare providers with demonstrated track records of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Using your Right to Choose when you're getting an ADHD assessment will help you get through long waiting times. You can find out more information about this on the NHS website. You can also print and download an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in convincing your GP to accept your referral to a private ADHD assessor.
After you have selected your health care provider they will schedule an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it could also be done via video call in accordance with your situation. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist might ask you questions about your symptoms, your history, and conduct other tests if necessary. This might include an assessment of memory, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will prepare a report to describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will discuss medication as appropriate. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such maintaining contact with your GP) and any other health issues you might have.
Alternately, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without a GP referral. This could be a more straightforward method of diagnosing ADHD in the event that you have the funds to pay for an assessment by a professional. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, therefore it's crucial to confirm that prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life and you don't want wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it might be worthwhile seeking out private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose' pathway in England you have the legal right to choose which provider be referred by your GP - so long as they meet NHS standards and aren't more costly than the NHS would be.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough interview to inquire about your medical background, family history, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to fill out self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out other mental or physical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD A personalised treatment plan will be formulated for you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
It is important to be aware that when it comes to accessing medications through the NHS in the event of a private diagnosis, many GPs won't sign a'shared-care agreement that allows them to take over your treatment from your private physician. 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 expertise in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what is most appropriate for you.
If you decide to take the private path it's important to keep in mind that the price 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 place for both child and adult ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing 20% more than the national average. You can get an idea of the likely costs for your specific region by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you don't want to pay for private healthcare there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it may disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under stress at home or at work. This can lead to an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist over many years before it's finally addressed.
It's a good idea to see your GP when you, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial examination, gathering information on your symptoms and medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you come to your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues that you've suffered from, as well as family history of mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing your case about any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD They will suggest a treatment program, which will often include medication. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they'll suggest non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications aren't addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. You can also pick private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. Private providers are often accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis at the age of an adult can have a profound impact on your life. For instance, it could enable you to concentrate on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It can also provide confidence and access to help that you didn't even know existed. If you're an adult who is contemplating the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.