How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll be asked about your family history, general health and your symptoms.
adhd online assessment can also obtain 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 that you or someone else has ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to describe your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic assessment.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and formulate an appropriate treatment plan, which includes medication (if necessary) and therapy. During this process, your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for information and also gather information from others, like your family, teachers or your colleagues. You may be asked to complete various forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organisation's ASRS v1 form. It is a good idea to prepare this in advance, to make sure you have it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and could have difficulties obtaining this. We recommend giving your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it by clicking here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life such as at school or at work. You will also be required to give examples of times when your symptoms have led to trouble and disruption in your life. For adults, this will include incidents from childhood.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to request support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments to your university. If you need to, you can also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from driving restrictions. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist who will provide additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to pick
If you're a citizen of the UK you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The NHS provides a variety of services including ADHD assessment, and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. However, it's important to know that the quality of treatment provided by private healthcare providers could differ. This is why it's crucial to find and select health care providers with an established track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
Using your Right to Choose when you're getting an ADHD assessment will allow you to get through long waiting times. You can learn more information about this on the NHS website. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will help your GP to approve your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your health care provider, they will book an appointment for you. It will most likely be in-person, but it could also be conducted via video conferencing, depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD examination your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and background and will also conduct additional tests if needed. This could include tests for memory and a symptom checklist and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will prepare a report to detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They can also talk about your obligations (such keeping in contact with your GP) and any other health issues you may have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an individual ADHD assessor without any referral from your GP. This can be an easier method to identify ADHD when you have the money to pay for an assessment by a professional. It's important to check with your insurance provider before scheduling 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 evaluate your condition, it could be worthwhile seeking out private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose path 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 healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview to ask you questions about your medical background, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to answer self-report questions to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD then a customized treatment plan will be developed for you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
It's important to understand that when you're seeking medication through the NHS after an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement which permits them to take over your treatment from your private doctor. This is true even for ADHD tablets. They don't believe they have the knowledge or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can differ greatly across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most costly area for both adult ADHD assessments as well as children's ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were approximately 20 percent more expensive than the national median. You can get a rough estimate of the probable costs for your specific region by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare there are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults are susceptible to the irritability and agitation, particularly when they are under stress at home or work. This could lead to the root of the problem being hidden for years before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
For this reason, it's a good idea to visit your GP if you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist.
When you show up for 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 you've experienced in the past, as well as your family history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety, to the person carrying out the assessment, as this could cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you have ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan which may include medications. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are among the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or bupropion. These drugs aren't addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also pick private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. In fact, a lot of private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult can have a profound impact on your life. For instance, it could help you focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you confidence and access to help that you did not know existed. If you are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.