ADHD Assessment
Individuals with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) often exhibit high energy levels, creativity, and a unique way of thinking that can lead to innovative problem-solving.
They may experience challenges with attention regulation, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, but these traits can also enable them to excel in dynamic and fast-paced environments. Accepting and respecting these differences allows individuals with ADHD to leverage their strengths and thrive in supportive and understanding environments.
This approach fosters acceptance, inclusivity, and appreciation for the unique contributions that individuals with ADHD bring to society.
Before booking a private ADHD assessment, it's important to ask your GP key questions to ensure you make an informed decision and understand some options. As a psychology led service we do not offer a medication pathway following confirmation of an ADHD diagnosis. We are able to signpost you to services which do prescribe medication privately or you are able to take our reports and recommendations back to the NHS. We advise speaking to your GP first to ensure that they would be able to refer into the ADHD team following a private assessment (sadly some will not, but it seems to vary). Medication isn't the only option for managing ADHD symptoms and we focus a lot more in our recommendations on strategies and adjustments.
Here are some suggested questions we encourage people to ask their GP:
1) What are the waiting times for an NHS ADHD assessment in my local service?
(Wait times differ from geographic location to geographic location and this means there can be misleading information about how long you would wait in your locality. Your GP is the person to ask as they should be able to access the most up to date accurate information.)
2) What are my options under the Right to Choose initiative?
(This is the NHS initiative which allows patients in England to chose where they receive certain types of care including autism and adhd assessments. This means that you can select an approved provider outside your local NHS services, including some private specialist clinics, at no extra cost to you. Only clinics which currently hold an NHS contract will appear on the 'approved' provider list. This does not mean that those not on the list cannot do safe clinical diagnostic assessments, it just means that there is no agreement for the NHS to fund these).
3) If I do go privately and the diagnosis is confirmed, can my GP help with post- diagnosis care?
(If I am diagnosed privately do I have the option to go to the local NHS service for ongoing support (such as CBT or coaching). Some GPs require that the private assessment meets certain NHS standards and criteria before they will agree to refer you to this. The assessments offered by the Divergent Space Ltd meet NICE and NHS standards)
4) Will my GP support ongoing medication if I get a diagnosed privately?
(If I am diagnosed privately do I have the option to go to the local NHS service for medication. Some GPs require that the private assessment meets certain NHS standards and criteria before they will agree to refer you on. The assessments offered by the Divergent Space Ltd meet NICE and NHS standards)
5) If the diagnosis is confirmed and I choose to pursue a private prescription for medication, will my GP accept this under a shared care agreement?
(When ADHD medication is first introduced there is a period of time where you are monitored closely to ensure the dosage is correct and you are not experiencing side effects. This is known as the titration period. Once the private clinic is happy that your dose is best they can pass this prescription to the NHS. Some GP's are willing to "shared care" with private clinics meaning they will prescribe medication as advised by a private clinic but some GPS do not have this policy. It's important to know whether your GP will work with you on treatment following a private prescription)
6) Does a shared care agreement depend on the prescribing service being registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?
(If your GP does have a shared care agreement they may still have their own requirements as to who they will do shared care with. For example they may only wish to work with a service who are CQC registered or who have a Psychiatrist within the team. The Divergent Space Ltd do not have a medication pathway but we can support you in a referral on to prescribing services. It's important to know what your GP will need- your GP may also be able to recommend services they have used in the past).
Download these questions in a printable document (opens in new window)
