How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll be asked questions about your family history as well as your general health and symptoms.
You can also obtain an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to offer this service.
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 be attentive to your concerns and ask you to clarify your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The clinic will assess your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that includes medications (if necessary) and therapy. During this procedure your psychiatrist will also identify any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and others such as teachers, family members, or friends. You will be asked to fill in a variety of questionnaires and forms. For example the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will make it easier to keep track of it and bring it to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose, but they may not be familiar with the procedure. We suggest that you present your GP the support letter from ADHD UK. It is available by clicking here.
When you go to your assessment, you'll be asked to provide an extensive description of your symptoms and what they are causing in different environments, such as school or at work. You will also be required to provide examples of times when your symptoms have caused disruption and trouble in your life. For adults, this may include childhood incidents.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may send a letter to your GP for a shared-care contract. Your GP is responsible for prescribing 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 to your university. If necessary you could also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from any restrictions on driving. Your psychiatrist can also recommend you to a psychologist who can provide additional assistance, based on your requirements.
Right to Choose
If you're a resident of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you go to as a healthcare provider. This is referred to as "Right to Choose." The NHS provides a variety of services, including ADHD evaluations and the option to select the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. However, it's important to know that the quality of the services offered by private healthcare providers could vary. This is why it's important to research and choose healthcare providers with experience in providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid long waiting periods by using your Right to choose when you get 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 make it easier for your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor.
Once you have selected an individual healthcare professional the doctor will make an appointment with you. It will most likely be in person, however it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your specific circumstances. During the ADHD assessment, your psychiatrist may ask you questions about your symptoms, your history and conduct additional tests, if required. This could include an assessment of memory as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.
After your examination your psychiatrist will write a report that will detail any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss medication when appropriate. how to get assessed for adhd can also discuss your responsibilities (such maintaining contact with GPs) and any other health issues that you may be dealing with.
You can also self-refer with an appointment from your GP to an independent ADHD assessor. This is a simpler way to diagnose ADHD when you have the funds to cover an assessment by a professional. It's essential to consult your insurance provider prior to making an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms affect your life and you don't want to wait for a time to have your condition evaluated by the NHS, you may wish to contact private healthcare for an assessment. Under the "Right To choose" procedure in England, it is your legal right to decide which provider to consult with your GP provided that they satisfy NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS.
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 be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires that assess how ADHD affects your daily life and how it affects your relationships. The results will be used to rule out any other mental or physical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they conclude that you have ADHD then a customized treatment plan will be developed specifically for you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
It is important to be aware that when it comes to accessing medication through the NHS following an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs do not sign a "shared-care contract that allows them to take control of your treatment from your private physician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. They do not believe they have the knowledge or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you decide to go down the private route it's important to keep in mind that the costs 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 children and adults ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing about 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator can provide you with an idea of the costs you can expect in your area. If you do not want to 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 issue that is hidden by a psychiatrist for many years before it's finally addressed.
It's recommended to see your GP If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start with an initial assessment taking notes on your symptoms and medical background. The GP will then refer you to a specialist such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to describe your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you come to your appointment. cheap adhd assessment uk will also be asked about any mental health issues you've had to deal with and your family history of mental illness. It is essential to disclose any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, to the person carrying out your assessment, since it can create confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor determines that you do suffer from ADHD, they will then suggest a treatment plan that will usually include medication. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like bupropion or atomoxetine. These medications are not addictive and can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be lengthy. You can also pick private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting periods. Many private providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in adulthood can transform your life. It can allow you to focus on your career and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you the clarity and support that you did not have access to. Onebright is here to assist you through the entire process if you are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.