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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place you should go if you suspect you or someone else has ADHD. Your GP will be very attentive to your concerns and will want to know about your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and create a treatment plan that includes medication (if necessary) and therapy. During this process your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you as well as other people like family members, teachers or even your friends. You will be required to fill out a range of questionnaires and forms. For example the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. Making this form ahead of time will make it easier to keep track of it and bring it 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 could face difficulties in obtaining this. If this is the case, we recommend that you print off and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
When you go to your appointment, you will be asked to give an extensive description of your symptoms as well as the issues they are causing in different environments, such as school or work. You will be asked to give examples of how your symptoms led you to face problems or interruptions in your life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If your diagnosis shows that you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications and may also suggest CBT therapy to treat your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the university. If necessary you could also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from restrictions on driving. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist will be in a position to refer you to a specialist psychologist who can advise you on additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a citizen of the UK you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services such as ADHD evaluations and the option to select the right healthcare provider to meet your needs and preferences. It's important to note that the quality and care provided by private healthcare professionals can vary. This is the reason it's essential to research and choose health care providers with a track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
Making get assessed for adhd of your Right to Choice when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment will allow you to avoid long wait times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. get assessed for adhd will make it easier to get your GP to approve the referral to a private ADHD assessment.
After you have chosen a healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will schedule an appointment with you. It will most likely be in-person, but it is also possible to schedule via video conferencing depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD assessment your psychiatrist will ask you questions about your symptoms, history and conduct additional tests, if required. This could include a memory check and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your evaluation your psychiatrist will prepare a report to outline any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They can also talk to you about your obligations (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without any referral from your GP. This could be a more straightforward way to diagnose ADHD when you have the funds to cover an assessment from a professional. It's important to check with your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms affect your life and you don't want to wait to have your condition evaluated by the NHS You may want to go to private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose option in England you are legally entitled to choose which provider be referred by your GP - so long as they meet NHS standards and aren't more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical interview to inquire about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to complete self-report questionnaires to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then utilize this information to rule out other mental or medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD, a personalised treatment plan will be written specifically for you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
It's important to understand that when you're seeking medication through the NHS in the event of an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs won't sign a'shared-care agreement' which allows them to take control of your treatment from your private physician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. This is because they don't feel that they have the training or expertise 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 may vary greatly across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found to be the most expensive place for both adult ADHD assessments as well as children's ADHD consultations. Consultations for follow-up were about 20% more expensive than the national median. Our ADHD cost calculator can provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your region. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't a viable option for you, there are alternatives to get an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition, so in children, it is often manifested as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. Adults can be affected by irritability and restlessness, particularly when under pressure at work or at home. This could lead to the root of the problem being hidden for a long time, before it is finally dealt with by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea see your GP when, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment and 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 at the time of your appointment. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues 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 comorbidities like anxiety or depression, as they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor concludes that you do suffer from ADHD, they will then recommend a treatment plan, which will often include medication. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD However, it's possible that they'll recommend non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications aren't addictive and can be helpful in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a wide range of options for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be long. You can also choose private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting times. Many private providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood can have life-changing consequences. It can help you focus on your work and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to other support that you didn't previously have access to. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.