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How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS In an NHS examination, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. You'll be asked questions regarding your family history and general health, as well as your symptoms. You can also get an ADHD evaluation privately. iampsychiatry 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 to talk to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for assessment. This clinic will evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan, including medication (if necessary) and therapy. Your psychiatrist will also eliminate other medical and psychological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will collect information from you and others such as teachers, family members or your colleagues. You will probably be asked to fill out various forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organization's ASRS version 1 form. It is a good idea to prepare this in advance, to make sure you bring it to your appointment. Your GP is legally required to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose – but they aren't necessarily knowledgeable about the process and could face difficulty making this happen. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and present to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here. You will be asked to write about your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your life, including at school or work. You will also be expected to provide examples of times when your symptoms led to trouble and disruption in your daily life. For adults, this could include childhood incidents. If your diagnosis shows that you suffer from ADHD then your psychiatrist will write to your GP with a form for an agreement on shared care. Your GP will then be accountable for prescribing any medication you require. He or she may also recommend CBT therapy to help you manage your symptoms. You can use your diagnosis to request support services, like Disabled Student's Aid or reasonable adjustments at university. If you need to you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempted from restrictions on driving. Depending on your needs your psychiatrist will be capable of referring you to a specialist psychologist who will provide additional assistance. Right to Choose If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have the right to choose who you see for a healthcare professional. This is known as the “Right to choose”. The NHS offers a wide range of services that include ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that suits your needs and preferences. It's important to understand that the quality of care provided by private healthcare providers can vary. This is why it's crucial to research and choose healthcare providers who have experience in offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment. Making use of your Right to Choice when you're undergoing an ADHD assessment will allow you to bypass long waiting times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also print and download the letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in convincing your GP to approve your referral to an independent ADHD assessor. After you've selected the right healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will book an appointment with you. Most likely, it will be in-person, but it could also be conducted via video conferencing, depending on your situation. During the ADHD evaluation the psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and background, and will conduct other tests as required. This might include an assessment of memory, a symptom checklist, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life. Your psychiatrist will write a detailed report following your evaluation which will detail any diagnoses and suggest the next steps. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will talk about medication when appropriate. They will also be able to talk with you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues you may have. You can also 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. However it is possible that a private health provider may not be covered by your insurance, so make sure to confirm that prior to making an appointment. Private Healthcare If you believe that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you don't want to wait to have your condition evaluated by the NHS You may want to contact private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right to Choose path in England you are legally entitled to select which company to be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS requirements and aren't more costly than the NHS is. A private health care provider will conduct a thorough clinical interview, asking you questions about your family and medical history, as well as the severity of your symptoms. They will also require you to fill out self-report questionnaires that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily functioning and relationships. They will then use this information to rule out any other mental or medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they find you suffer from ADHD A personalised treatment plan will be formulated specifically for you. This could include medication or psychotherapy. When you're trying to access medication through the NHS after receiving a diagnosis from a private doctor, it is important to know that most GPs will refuse to sign a'shared care agreement' in which they will manage your treatment from your private doctor (even for ADHD tablets). They don't believe they have the knowledge or education in ADHD medication to make informed decisions. If you decide to go down the private path, it's worth bearing in mind that the price of private assessments and treatment aren't the same across the UK. The East of England, for example, was found to be the most costly area for both adult ADHD assessments and assessment for children ADHD consultations. Consultations for follow-up were about 20 percent more expensive than national median. You can get an estimate of the probable costs for your specific area by using our ADHD online cost calculator here. If you decide that the expense of private healthcare isn't feasible for you, there are some alternatives to get an adhd assessment. Alternative Routes ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder. As such, it manifests itself in children as impulsive or hyperactive behavior. In adults, it may disguise itself with irritability or restlessness especially when under pressure at work or home. This can lead to an underlying issue being masked by a psychiatrist for a number of years before it is finally addressed. For this reason, it's an excellent idea to see your GP in the event that you think you might be suffering from ADHD as an adult. Your doctor will begin by conducting an initial evaluation taking notes about your symptoms and medical history. They will then refer you to a specialist like psychologist or psychiatrist. When you show up for your appointment, you will be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. You will be asked to explain any mental health issues you've had and also the history of your family members with mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person assessing you about any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, since they could affect the diagnosis of ADHD. If your doctor determines that you have ADHD They will suggest a treatment program, which will often include medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. However, they may also recommend non-stimulant drugs, like bupropion or atomoxetine. These drugs are not addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms. The NHS provides a comprehensive pathway for adults who want to be given an ADHD diagnosis, though waiting times can be lengthy. You can also select private healthcare providers who offer shorter waiting times. In fact, a lot of private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative. A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD as an adult can transform your life. It can allow you to focus on your career and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to support that you did not realize existed. Onebright is here to help you through the entire process if are a person who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.