How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS examination medical professionals will ask questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD assessment on your own. Some private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, your first step is to talk to your GP. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and ask you to describe your symptoms. The GP will then refer you to an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and formulate an appropriate treatment plan, which includes medications (if required) and therapy. During this process your doctor will also rule out other psychological and medical issues that can trigger similar symptoms. They will ask for information and will also seek out information from others, like your family, teachers or even your friends. You will be required to fill in a variety of questionnaires and forms. For example, the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. Making this form ahead of time will help you keep track of it and bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and may have difficulty making this happen. If this is the case, we recommend printing and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your life, including at school or work. You will be asked to list instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and disruptions in your life. This includes childhood experiences for adults.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared-care arrangement. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medications you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to apply for support services, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from restrictions on driving. Your psychiatrist can also recommend you to a psychologist who will provide additional support, depending on your requirements.
Right to choose
If you're a citizen of the UK you have the option of choosing your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services including ADHD assessment, and you can select the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. It is important to remember that the quality and care offered by private healthcare providers are not the same. This is why it's important to find and select healthcare providers with an established track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can cut down on long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. You can learn more about this right on the NHS website. You can also download and print the letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you have chosen your healthcare provider, they will book an appointment for you. It is likely to be in person, but could also be done via video call in accordance with your situation. During the ADHD assessment your psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and history as well as conduct other tests as required. This could include a memory check as well as a list of symptoms and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
After your assessment your psychiatrist will then write a report that will describe any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If iampsychiatry are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will talk about medication if appropriate. They will also discuss your responsibilities (such keeping in contact with GPs) and any other health issues that you may have.
You can also self-refer without an appointment from your GP to an independent ADHD assessor. This is a faster route to diagnosis and may be beneficial if you're the position to pay for an ADHD assessment. It's essential to consult your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you feel that your symptoms of ADHD are having a serious impact on your life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to evaluate your condition, it could be worthwhile seeking out private healthcare to get an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice path in England, you are legally entitled to choose which provider be referred by your GP provided that they meet NHS criteria and are not more expensive than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking you questions about your family and medical history, as in addition to the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to fill out self-report questionnaires to assess the effect of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. The results will be used to rule out any other mental or physical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will create a personalised treatment plan for you, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it's important to remember that the majority of GPs will refuse 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 due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the training or experience in ADHD medication to to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
It's important to remember that private assessments and treatments can differ greatly across the UK. For example, the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both children and adults ADHD assessments with follow-up consultations costing 20 percent more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator can give you an idea of what to expect in your area. If you don't want to pay for private healthcare there are alternatives.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder which is why in children it usually manifests with hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. Adults can be affected by irritability and restlessness, particularly when under pressure at home or work. This could lead to an underlying problem being masked for years before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
It's a good idea consult your GP if, as an adult, you think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will begin by conducting an initial examination taking notes on your symptoms as well as your medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at the time of your appointment. You will be asked about any mental health issues you've experienced, as well as family history of mental illness. It's important to disclose any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, to the person who is conducting your assessment, since it can create confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment plan which will include medication. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed 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 you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults who wish to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers that provide shorter waiting periods. In fact, a lot of private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
Achieving an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood can have life-changing consequences. For instance, it can help you focus on your goals in your career and relationships, instead of struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also give you clarity and access to support that you didn't have access to. If you are an adult and are considering an ADHD diagnosis, Onebright can support you through every step of the process.