This Is The History Of How To Get ADHD Assessment UK In 10 Milestones
How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. You'll also be asked questions about your family background and general health.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to visit if you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns very seriously and will want to know about your symptoms. The GP will then refer you to an ADHD clinic assessment.
This clinic will evaluate and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication, if necessary. During this procedure your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you and other such as teachers, family members or your colleagues. You will be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires and forms. For example the ASRS version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is recommended to prepare this form in advance, so that you bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and could face difficulties obtaining this. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
how do i get an adhd assessment will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life, including at school or at work. You will also be expected to give examples of times when your symptoms have caused disruption and trouble in your life. For adults, this could include incidents from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is able to send a letter to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP will be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, such as Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from any restrictions on driving. Based on your requirements, your psychiatrist will also be capable of referring you to an expert psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to Choose
If you're a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to for a healthcare professional. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides many services such as ADHD evaluations and you can select the right healthcare provider to meet your needs and preferences. It is important to know that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare professionals can vary. It is important to select healthcare providers with demonstrated track records of providing effective ADHD treatment and assessment.
You can cut down on long waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you receive an ADHD assessment. Find out more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to give your GP which explains the Right to Choose process. This will help your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
After you have chosen an individual healthcare professional and have chosen a doctor, they will make an appointment with you. Most likely, it will be in-person, but it is also possible to schedule through video conferencing based on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and background, and will conduct other tests as required. This could include an assessment of memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your examination, your psychiatrist will draft a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medication. They may also speak to you about your responsibilities (such as staying in contact with your GP) and other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer without an appointment from your GP to a private ADHD assessor. This can be an easier method of diagnosing ADHD when you have the funds to cover a professional assessment. However, a private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance, therefore it's crucial to confirm that before making 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 to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it could be worth looking into private healthcare for an assessment. Under the "Right To Choose" pathway in England it is your legal right to choose which healthcare provider to refer to your GP provided that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more expensive than the NHS.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking you questions about your medical and family history as along with the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to complete self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. This information is used to rule out other mental or physical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include psychotherapy and medication.
When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it is important to know that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' that states they will assume your care from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). This is due to the fact that they don't believe they have the education or knowledge in ADHD medication to be able to make educated decisions about what's best for you.
If you choose to take the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the costs of private assessments and treatment can differ widely across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both child and adult ADHD assessments, with follow-up appointments costing 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of what to expect in your local area. However, if you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternatives to get an assessment for ADHD.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder, so in children, it tends to manifest itself by exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults are susceptible to the irritability and agitation, particularly when under pressure at work or home. This can 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 great idea to consult your GP if, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial evaluation taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist, like psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain 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 you've suffered from, as well as family history of mental illness. It is important to discuss any comorbidities such as depression or anxiety, to the person conducting your assessment, as this can cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will suggest a treatment plan that includes medication. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD however it is possible that they will recommend non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications are not addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who want to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be lengthy. You can also choose 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 as an adult can have a profound impact on your life. It can assist you in focusing on your career and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to other support you didn't know was available. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.