What Is How To Get ADHD Assessment UK And Why Is Everyone Talking About It? How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS

During an NHS assessment, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family background and general health.

You can also have an ADHD assessment privately. Certain private healthcare providers provide this service via the Right to Choose pathway.

Your GP

Your GP is the first place you should go if you suspect you or someone else has ADHD. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then refer you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.

The doctor will examine and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this procedure your psychiatrist will determine if there are any other medical or mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms. They will gather information from you as well as other people, such as family members, teachers or even your friends. You will probably be asked to complete a number of forms or questionnaires, like the World Health Organization's ASRS version 1 form. Preparing this form in advance will make it easier to remember to bring it to your appointment.

Your GP is legally bound to pay for an ADHD assessment under Right To Choose - but they aren't always familiar with the process and could face difficulties in obtaining this. If this is the case, we suggest that you print off and give to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. You can access it by clicking here.

You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail, and the impact they have on your daily life such as at work or school. You will be asked to list instances of when your symptoms have caused you to have problems and disruptions in your life. For adults, this could include instances from childhood.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will send a letter to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your GP will then be responsible for prescribing any medications you require. They may also suggest CBT therapy to aid in managing your symptoms.

After you have received your diagnosis, you will be able to gain access to support services such as reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students allowance at the university and, if needed you should make an application to the DVLA for exemption from driving restrictions. Based on your specific needs, your psychiatrist will also be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who can provide additional assistance.

Right to Choose

If you're a British citizen, you can choose your healthcare provider. This is known as the "Right to choose". The NHS offers a wide range of services, including ADHD assessment, and you can select a healthcare provider that meets your needs and preferences. It's important to note that the quality and care provided by private healthcare professionals will differ. psych assessment for adhd is why it's crucial to research and choose health care providers with experience in providing quality ADHD assessment and treatment.

Making use of your Right to Choice when you're getting an ADHD assessment can help you avoid long wait times. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. You can also print and download an email from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will aid in getting your GP to approve the referral to an individual ADHD assessment.

Once you have selected a healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they 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 the psychiatrist will ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and background and will also conduct additional tests as required. This might include a memory test as well as a checklist of symptoms, and questionnaires on how your symptoms impact your daily life.

After your assessment, your psychiatrist will prepare a report to detail any diagnosis and suggest next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will talk about medication when appropriate. They can also talk about your obligations (such maintaining contact with your GP) and any other health issues that you may have.

You can also self-refer without an appointment from your GP to an individual ADHD assessor. This can be an easier method of diagnosing ADHD when you have the money to cover an assessment by a professional. It's essential to consult 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 wish to wait to have your condition assessed by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to go to private healthcare for an assessment. The good news is that under the 'Right To Choose path in England, you have the legal right to choose which provider be referred to by your GP in the event that they meet NHS criteria and are not more costly than the NHS would be.


A private health care provider will conduct a thorough interview with you, asking questions about your medical and family background as well as the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you to answer self-report questions that assess the impact of your ADHD on your daily life and relationships. They will then use this information to rule out other mental or physical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine you have ADHD A personalised treatment plan will be formulated specifically for you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.

It's important to know that when it comes to accessing medications through the NHS following an individual diagnosis, the majority of GPs will not sign a "shared-care agreement that allows them to take the care of your private doctor. This is the case even for ADHD tablets. This is due to the fact that they don't believe that they have the necessary training or experience in ADHD medication to be able to make informed decisions about what is most appropriate for you.

If you decide to go down the private option It's worth keeping 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 area for both child and adult ADHD assessments, with follow-up appointments costing 20 percent more than the national average. Our ADHD cost calculator will give you an idea of the costs you can expect in your local area. If you don't want pay for private healthcare there are alternatives.

Alternative Routes

ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition which is why in children it tends to manifest itself as impulsive or hyperactive behaviour. Adults can be affected by anxiety and restlessness, especially when they are under pressure at work or at home. This could lead to the root of the problem being hidden for years before being finally addressed by a psychiatrist.

It's a great idea to see your GP if you, as an adult, you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor will begin with an initial assessment and gathering information about your symptoms and medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

When you arrive at your appointment, you'll be asked about the characteristics of your ADHD symptoms, including how they affect your daily life. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues that you've experienced and also the history of your family members with mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person assessing you about any comorbidities like depression or anxiety, as they could cause confusion in the diagnosis of ADHD.

If your psychiatrist determines that you do have ADHD They will suggest a treatment plan which may include medications. Stimulants, such as Venlafaxine, are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they might also suggest non-stimulant drugs, like bupropion or atomoxetine. These drugs aren't 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 long. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare providers that offer shorter wait periods. In fact, many private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.

The process of obtaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adulthood can have life-changing consequences. It can allow you to focus on your relationships and career rather than worrying about unmanaged ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to additional assistance that you didn't knew existed. Onebright is here to assist you through the entire process if you are an adult considering an ADHD diagnosis.