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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS In an NHS examination, medical professionals ask you questions about your health issues and how they impact your life. You'll be asked about your family history as well as your general health and symptoms. You can also have an ADHD assessment on your own. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service through the Right to Choose pathway. Your GP If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD The first option is usually to go and speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for assessment. The clinic will assess and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this procedure, your psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you as well as other people, such as teachers, family members, or even your friends. You will be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires and forms. For example, the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is a good idea to prepare it in advance to ensure you bring it to your appointment. Your GP is legally bound to fund an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose – but they aren't always familiar with the process and may have difficulties obtaining this. If this is the case, we suggest that you print and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can find it here. You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail and the impact they have on your daily life, including at work or school. You will be asked to provide instances of when your symptoms have caused you to face problems or interruptions in your life. This includes childhood experiences for adults. If your diagnosis shows that you have ADHD, your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care. Your GP is then responsible for prescribing any medication you require. They may also recommend CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms. After receiving your diagnosis and have it confirmed, you'll be able to access support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if necessary you should make an application to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist who could offer 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 as a healthcare provider. This is referred to as “Right to Choose.” The NHS provides a variety of services that include ADHD evaluations and the option to select the right healthcare provider to meet your needs and preferences. It is important to remember that the quality and level of care provided by private healthcare providers will differ. It's important to choose healthcare providers with an established track record of providing efficient ADHD treatment and assessment. Making use of your Right to Choice when you're getting an ADHD assessment will allow you to bypass long waiting times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also download and print an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. Iam Psychiatry will make it easier to get your GP to sign off on the referral to a private ADHD assessment. After you have selected your doctor they will schedule an appointment for you. It will most likely be in-person, but it could also be conducted via video conferencing depending on your situation. During the ADHD examination your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions about your symptoms and background as well as conduct other tests if needed. This might include a memory test and a symptom checklist and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life. Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report following your examination that will outline any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will review the appropriate medications. They may also speak with you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in touch with your GP) and other health issues that you may have. Alternately, you can self-refer to an independent ADHD assessor without the need for a referral from your doctor. This can be an easier method to identify ADHD in the event that you have the money to cover a professional assessment. It is important to inquire with 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 daily life, and you don't want to wait for the NHS to determine the severity of your condition, it could be worth seeking out private healthcare to receive an assessment. Under the “Right to choose” procedure in England, it is your legal right to decide which provider to consult with your GP – as long as they meet NHS specifications and are not more expensive than the NHS. A private health care provider will conduct a thorough medical interview to ask questions about your medical background, family history, and the severity of your symptoms. You will be asked to fill out self-reporting questionnaires that assess how ADHD affects your daily life and your relationships. They will then analyze the results to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that could be mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan for you that could include medication and psychotherapy. It's important to know that when you're seeking medication through the NHS in the event of an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs do not sign a “shared-care contract' which allows them to take the care of your private doctor. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. They do not think they have the experience or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions. If you choose to take the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of private assessments and treatments can differ widely across the UK. For example the East of England was found to be the most expensive region for both adult and child ADHD assessments, with follow-up appointments costing around 20% more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will provide you with an idea of what to expect in your local area. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't feasible for you, there are alternatives to obtaining an assessment for adhd. Alternative Routes ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it manifests in children as hyperactive or impulsive behavior. However, in adults, it can mask its symptoms by causing irritability or even restlessness, especially under pressure at work or home. This can result in an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist for a number of years before finally being addressed. It's a great idea to see your GP in the event that you are an adult and you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial examination taking notes on 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 be asked to explain any mental health issues you have had, as well as your family history of mental illness. It is important to tell the person assessing you about any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD. If your psychiatrist determines you suffer from ADHD If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a treatment program that will include medications. Stimulants, like Venlafaxine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are not 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. Alternately, you can go for private healthcare providers that have shorter wait times. A number of private healthcare providers have been accepted by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative. The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis at the age of an adult can have life-changing consequences. It can assist you in focusing on your career and relationships rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide confidence and access to help that you didn't even have access to. Onebright is here to assist you through the entire process if you are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.