Five How To Get ADHD Assessment UK Lessons From Professionals
How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS assessment, medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You'll also be asked about your family history and general health.
You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first port of call is usually to go and talk to your GP. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and ask you to explain your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan, which includes medication (if necessary) and therapy. During this procedure, your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and others such as teachers, family members or even your friends. You will be asked 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 to ensure you bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they are not necessarily familiar with the process and could face difficulty making this happen. We recommend that you give your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
You will be asked to explain your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life, including at school or work. You will also be required to provide examples of instances when your symptoms caused disruption and trouble in your life. For adults, this could include instances from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP is then accountable for prescribing any medication you require - and may recommend CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to use it to avail support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if necessary you can make an application to the DVLA to be exempt from driving restrictions. Your psychiatrist can also recommend you to a psychologist who could provide additional assistance, based on your needs.
Right to pick
If you're a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose the person you visit for a healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services, including ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that suits your preferences and needs. It is important to remember that the quality of care and treatment provided by private healthcare professionals are not the same. This is why it's crucial to investigate and select healthcare providers with a track record of offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
Utilizing your Right to Choose when you're getting an ADHD assessment will help you bypass long waiting times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to give your GP that explains the Right to Choose process. This will aid in getting your GP to sign off on the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
Once you've selected your doctor They will make an appointment for you. It will most likely be in-person, but it can also be done via video conferencing depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation the doctor will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and history, and will conduct other tests as required. This could include an assessment of memory and a symptom checklist and questionnaires on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your evaluation your psychiatrist will then write a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medication as appropriate. They will also discuss your obligations (such a keeping in touch with your GP) and any other health issues that you may have.
Alternatively, you can self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This could be a more straightforward way to diagnose ADHD if you have the funds to cover a professional assessment. However the private healthcare provider may not be covered by your insurance plan, therefore it's crucial to confirm that before making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think that your symptoms of ADHD are having a major impact on your daily life, and you don't wish to wait for the NHS to determine the severity of your condition, it could be worth looking into private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choose path in England you are legally entitled to choose which provider be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS standards and aren't more costly than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct an in-depth clinical interview, asking questions about your medical and family history as well as the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to complete self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. This information will be used to rule out any other medical or psychological conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine you have ADHD A personalised treatment plan will be developed for you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis it is important to know that most GPs aren't willing to sign something called a 'shared care agreement' in which they will assume your care from your private physician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't believe they have the education or knowledge in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what's most suitable for you.
It is important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary widely across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both adult and child ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing 20 percent more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of what to expect in your region. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are some alternatives to obtaining an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests itself in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults can be affected by the irritability and agitation, particularly when they are under pressure at home or work. This can result in an issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for a number of years before finally being 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 evaluation, gathering information on your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at the time of 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's important to disclose any other comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety to the person conducting the assessment, as this can cause confusion when determining ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines you have ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment plan that will include medication. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine, are 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 aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a wide range of options for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. You can also choose private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting times. Private providers are often approved by NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult could have life-changing implications. It can allow you to focus on your work and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide confidence and access to help that you didn't realize existed. If you're an adult and are considering the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you throughout the process.