How to Get get assessed for adhd on the NHS
During a NHS assessment 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 get an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to visit if you suspect that you or someone else suffers from ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns very seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. The GP will then refer you to an ADHD clinic assessment.
This clinic will evaluate and manage your symptoms, which may include therapy and medication, if necessary. In this process, your doctor will also identify other medical and psychological conditions that can trigger similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and others such as teachers, family members or your colleagues. You will be asked to fill in a variety of forms and questionnaires. For example the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, to make sure you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the procedure. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
When you go to your assessment, you will be asked to give an extensive description of your symptoms and the problems they can cause in different situations, like at school or at work. You will also be expected to provide examples of instances when your symptoms led to trouble and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this will include instances from childhood.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send a letter to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medications you require. They may also recommend CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to apply for support services like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments at university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from any restrictions on driving. Your psychiatrist can also refer you to a psychologist who could provide additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to Choose
If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose the person you visit for a healthcare professional. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS offers many services, including ADHD assessments and you can select the right healthcare provider to meet your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality and care provided by private healthcare professionals will differ. It is important to select healthcare providers with an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment.
Utilizing your Right to Choose when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment can help you avoid long wait times. Find out more information about this on the NHS website. You can also print and download the letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will make it easier to get your GP to approve the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
After you've selected the right healthcare provider the doctor will schedule an appointment with you. It is likely to be in person, however it could also be done via video call depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment, your psychiatrist may ask you questions about your symptoms, history and conduct additional tests if needed. This might include a memory test as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report following your examination that will outline any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will review the appropriate medication. They can also discuss your responsibilities (such keeping in contact with GPs) and any other health issues that you may be dealing with.
You can also self-refer without an appointment from your GP to an individual ADHD assessor. This can be a quicker method of diagnosis and could be helpful if you're in the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's important to check with your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and you do not wish to wait for a time to have your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to go to private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice option in England you have the legal right to select which company to be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS criteria and are not more costly than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough medical interview to ask you questions about your medical history, 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 life and relationships. They will then use this information to rule out other mental or medical conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be written for you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
When it comes to accessing medication through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to remember that a majority of GPs aren't willing to 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 expertise or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to go down the private option It's worth keeping in mind that the cost of private treatment and assessments can vary widely across the UK. For example, the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both children and adults ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing about 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator can provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your area. If you don't want pay for private healthcare, there are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. In adults, it may disguise its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness particularly when under pressure at home or at work. This can result in an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist over many years before it is finally addressed.
It's a good idea to visit your GP if you are an adult and you suspect that you may have ADHD. 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 show up for your appointment, you will be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they impact your daily life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues that you've experienced and also the history of your family members with mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person assessing you about any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines you suffer from ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program that includes medication. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine, are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant drugs, like bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are not 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, though waiting times can be lengthy. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare providers who provide shorter waiting times. In fact, a lot of private providers are approved by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in an adult can change your life. It can allow you to focus on your relationships and career instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It also gives you confidence and access to help that you did not realize existed. Onebright is here to assist you through the entire process if you are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.