How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
During an NHS evaluation, medical professionals will ask you 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. Some private healthcare providers provide the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
online assessment for adhd
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 will be very attentive to your concerns and will ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for an assessment.
The doctor will examine and manage your symptoms, which may include treatment and medication if required. During this procedure your psychiatrist will also determine if there are any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will ask for information and will also seek out information from others such as your family, teachers or even your friends. You may be required to fill out several forms or questionnaires, for instance the World Health Organization's ASRS Form v1. Making this form ahead of time will help you remember to bring it to your appointment.
Your GP is legally required to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and could have difficulties obtaining this. If this is the case, we suggest printing and hand to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it by clicking here.
When you go to your assessment, you'll be required to provide an in-depth description of your symptoms as well as the issues they are causing in different situations, like at school or work. You will be asked to give instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and interruptions in your life. For adults, this will include incidents from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with you suffer from ADHD, your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP with a form for an agreement on shared care. Your GP is responsible for prescribing all medications. They may also suggest CBT therapy in order to manage your symptoms.
Once you have received your diagnosis you will be able to use it to gain access to support services like reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university, and if appropriate, make an application to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your specific needs, your psychiatrist will also be in a position to refer you to an expert psychologist who will provide additional assistance.
Right to pick
If you're a citizen of the UK you are able to choose your healthcare provider. This is known as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services such as ADHD assessments, and you can choose the right healthcare provider to meet your needs and preferences. It is important to remember that the quality and level of care offered by private healthcare providers will differ. This is the reason it's essential to investigate and select healthcare providers with a track record of providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you get an ADHD assessment. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. 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 accept your referral to an individual ADHD assessor.
After you've selected an individual healthcare professional 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 examination the psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions regarding your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests as required. This might include a memory test as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires about how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report after your assessment that will provide a detailed explanation of any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD The psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They can also discuss your obligations (such a keeping in touch with GPs) and any other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without any referral from your GP. This is a simpler method of diagnosing ADHD if you have the funds to cover an assessment by a professional. It's important to check with your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you do not want to wait to have your condition evaluated by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to contact private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice' pathway in England you have the legal right to choose which healthcare provider to be referred by your GP in the event that they meet NHS standards and aren't more expensive than the NHS would be.
A private health care provider will conduct a thorough interview to ask questions about your medical background, family history, and the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires that assess how ADHD affects your daily life and how it affects your relationships. This information is used to rule out other psychological or medical conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you have ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that could include psychotherapy and medication.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it is important to know that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign a'shared care agreement' in which they will take over your management from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). This is because they don't believe that they have the training or expertise in ADHD medication to be able to make educated decisions about what's most appropriate for you.
If you decide to go down the private path it's important to keep in mind that the cost of private assessments and treatment aren't the same 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 around 20 percent more than the national average. You can get a rough estimate of the probable costs for your specific region by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you don't want pay for private healthcare there are other options.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Adults can be affected by anxiety and restlessness, especially when they are under stress at work or home. This can result in an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before finally being addressed.
It's a great idea to visit your GP when you, 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.
When you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked about the underlying causes of your ADHD symptoms, including how they impact your life. You will also be asked about any mental health issues that you've experienced, as well as family history of mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person who is assessing you of any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression, since they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you do suffer from ADHD, they will then suggest a treatment program that will usually include medication. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant medication, such as bupropion or atomoxetine. These drugs aren't addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also select private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. Private providers are often approved by 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. For example, it can allow you to focus on your goals for your career and relationships instead of battling uncontrollable ADHD symptoms. It also gives you clarity and access to support that you didn't even realize existed. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if you are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.