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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS evaluation medical professionals will ask you questions about your health issues and how they affect your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first option is to speak to your GP. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask you to clarify your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this process your doctor will also rule out other psychological and medical conditions that can trigger similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and other such as teachers, family members or even your friends. You will be required 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 ensure 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 always familiar with the process and may have difficulties in obtaining this. We recommend that you give your GP the 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 whether at work or school. You will be asked to give examples when your symptoms caused you to have problems and disruptions in your life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If your diagnosis shows that you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a formal request for an agreement on shared care. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications and may also recommend CBT therapy in order to treat your symptoms.
After you have received your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to use it to access support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students University'Allowance, and if appropriate you should make an application to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your doctor may also recommend you to a psychologist who will provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to Choose
If you're a British citizen you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS offers many services that include ADHD evaluations and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your needs and preferences. It is important to remember that the quality and level of care offered by private healthcare providers are not the same. This is why it's crucial to investigate and select healthcare providers who have experience in providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
Using your Right to Choose when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment will allow you to bypass long waiting times. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP explaining the Right to Choose process. This will make it easier to get your GP to accept the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.
After you have chosen the right healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will make an appointment with you. It will most likely be in person, however it can be done via video conference depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, your history, and conduct other tests if needed. This may include a memory test as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will then write a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If adhd diagnostic assessment with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medication when appropriate. They may also speak to you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues you may have.
Alternately, you can self-refer to a private ADHD assessor without a GP referral. 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 company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your symptoms of ADHD are having a significant impact on your life, and you don't want wait for the NHS to assess your condition, it may be worthwhile looking into private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice option in England you have the legal right to choose which provider be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS is.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough clinical 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 to determine how ADHD affects your daily functioning and how it affects your relationships. They will then use this information to rule out other mental or physical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will then write a personalised treatment plan for you that may include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it's important to note that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' in which they will take over your management from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They don't believe they have the expertise or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to take the private route It's worth keeping in mind that the price of private assessments and treatments can differ widely across the UK. For instance the East of England was found to be the most expensive area for both children and adults ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing 20 percent more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of what to expect in your local area. If you do not want to pay for private healthcare, there are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults can be affected by the irritability and agitation, particularly when under pressure at work or at home. This could lead to an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist over many years before it's finally addressed.
This is why it's an excellent idea to see your GP in the event that you think you may have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start 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.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you arrive for your appointment. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues that you have had in the past, as well as the history of your family members with mental illness. It's important to disclose any comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety, to the person who is conducting the assessment, as it can create confusion when determining ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD If he or she determines that you have ADHD, they will suggest a treatment plan which will include medication. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are among the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are not addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, even though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also pick private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. In fact, many private providers are approved 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 assist you in focusing on your career and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide confidence and access to help that you did not have access to. If you're an adult who is contemplating an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.
