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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS evaluation, medical professionals will ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history, general health and your symptoms.
You can also have an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer the Right to Choose pathway to provide this service.
Your GP
Your GP is the first place to go if you suspect you or someone else suffers from ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will want to know about your symptoms. The doctor will then refer you for an ADHD clinic evaluation.
The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication, if necessary. During this process your psychiatrist will determine if there are any other medical or psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for information and will also seek out information from others such as your family, teachers, or friends. You will be asked to fill in a variety of forms and questionnaires. For example, the ASRS v1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare this form in advance to ensure you have it with you to your appointment.
Your GP is legally obliged to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and may have difficulty making this happen. If this is the case, we recommend that you print and give to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can download it here.
You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life, including at school or at work. You will also be required to provide examples of instances when your symptoms caused problems and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this could include instances from childhood.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may submit paperwork to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your GP will then be responsible for prescribing any medication you require. He or she may also suggest CBT therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms.
You can use your diagnosis to request support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments at university. If necessary you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from any restrictions on driving. Based on your specific needs your psychiatrist will be in a position to refer you to a specialist psychologist who can provide additional assistance.
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 the "Right to Choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services including ADHD assessment and assessment of ADHD, and you can choose the healthcare provider that best suits your preferences and needs. Suggested Web page is important to remember that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare providers are not the same. This is why it's important to investigate and select healthcare providers who have an established track record of providing effective ADHD assessment and treatment.

You can avoid long waiting periods by exercising your right to choose when you get an ADHD assessment. You can find out more information on this right here on the NHS website. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will help your GP to accept your referral to a private ADHD assessor.
Once you've selected your doctor they will schedule an appointment for you. It will most likely be in person, however it can be done via video call depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD evaluation your psychiatrist might ask you questions about your symptoms, your history and conduct tests if needed. This could include a memory check and a list of symptoms, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report following your evaluation that will provide a detailed explanation of any diagnosis and recommend the next steps. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will discuss appropriate medications. They will also be able to talk with you about your obligations (such as staying in contact with your GP) and other health issues you may have.
You can also self-refer without a referral from your GP to an independent ADHD assessor. This is a faster route to diagnosis and may be beneficial if you're the situation to pay for an ADHD assessment. However, a private healthcare provider might not be covered by your insurance, so make sure to confirm prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you think your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you don't want to delay getting your condition assessed by the NHS You may want to seek out private healthcare to have an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choice' pathway in England you are legally entitled to select which company to be referred to by your GP - so long as they meet NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS could be.
A private healthcare provider will conduct an in-depth clinical interview, asking you questions about your family and medical background as along with the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to complete self-reporting forms that evaluate the extent to which ADHD affects your daily functioning and your relationships. The results will be used to rule out other mental or physical conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. If they find that you have ADHD they will then write an individual treatment plan specifically for you that could include medication and psychotherapy.
It's important to know that when you're seeking medication through the NHS following an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement that allows them to take over your treatment from your private physician. This is true even for ADHD tablets. They do not believe they have the expertise or knowledge of ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
If you choose to take the private option, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of private assessments and treatment can differ widely across the UK. The East of England, for instance, was found out to be the most expensive area for both adult ADHD assessments as well as child ADHD consultations. Follow-up consultations were around 20% more expensive than the national median. You can get a rough idea of the likely costs for your particular area by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are alternatives to obtaining an adhd assessment.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition which is why in children it is often manifested as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. In adults, it can mask its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness especially when under pressure at work or home. This can result in the root of the problem being hidden for a long time before it is finally addressed by a psychiatrist.
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 with an initial assessment taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life when you arrive for your appointment. You will also be asked about any mental health issues you have experienced and your 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, as this can cause confusion when diagnosing ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you do have ADHD They will suggest a treatment plan, which will often include medications. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD However, it's possible that they will recommend non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or bupropion hydrochloride. These medications aren't addictive and can help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a broad range of services for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis, however waiting times can be long. You can also opt for private healthcare providers that have shorter wait periods. Many private providers have been accepted by the NHS as part their Right to Choose initiative.
The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis as an adult can have a profound impact on your life. For example, it can enable you to concentrate on your goals in your career and relationships, rather than struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It also gives you confidence and access to help that you did not realize existed. Onebright is here to assist you through the entire process if are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.